MEDIA RELEASE July 19, 2022
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Balhousie Care Group bolsters senior team with appointment of leading figure in health and social care
Balhousie Care Group has bolstered its senior leadership team with the appointment of Karen Johnson, a leading figure in health and social care.
Karen, renowned for her expertise in clinical care and nursing and a prominent player in the care home sector, joins the award-winning Balhousie company as Quality Director.
Karen was formerly Clinical Director and Chief Nurse with HC-One, responsible for more than 17,000 residents and 320 locations in three countries. She has recently been advising Balhousie Care Group in a consultancy role. A graduate of Fife College of Health Studies and a registered nurse, Karen is also a former care home manager.
The creation of a Quality Director is part of a strengthening of Balhousie Care Group’s clinical and operations teams at an important time for the award-winning provider, which is celebrating 30 years in business.
John Kirk, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Balhousie Care Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Karen on board at Balhousie. She is a tremendous asset to the business and the team at a time when our focus is on providing not just quality care, but care that makes a difference.
He added: “Part of our focus during the COVID pandemic has been to develop a team of experts in clinical care and care quality. Karen will head up the team who, together, have decades of expertise in the NHS, private care sector and academia.”
Balhousie’s quality team also includes: Lindsay Dingwall, Clinical Care Quality Manager, a nurse and expert in dementia, formerly with the NHS and University of Dundee; Andrew Chalmers-Gall, Quality Improvement Partner, nurse, respected care home manager and turnaround manager; Sandra Hutton, Project and Improvement Partner, nurse, trainer and former care home manager; and David Wilson-Wynne, Quality Improvement Partner and expert in dementia, formerly with NHS Scotland.
Karen said: “It is a privilege to be joining Balhousie Care Group and to be heading up such a talented team at an important time for the business as we not only strengthen our practices but look at new, exciting opportunities in providing quality, meaningful care.”
Balhousie’s new ‘Care that makes a difference’ promise includes a swathe of partnerships, sponsorships and academic projects which acknowledge the fact that community is at the heart of its care homes. These now number 26 facilities, providing older person and specialist care, across six regions of Scotland.
For more information on Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk
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For media enquiries please contact Gillian Drummond on gillian.drummond@balhousiecare.co.uk or call 01738 254254/07365 284994.
Notes to Editors
About Balhousie Care Group
Balhousie Care Group was formed 30 years ago to fill a gap in quality residential care in North East Scotland. Today, with 26 homes in the area, it is one of the leading providers of care for the elderly in Scotland, providing care to over 900 residents.
Balhousie Care prides itself on its person-centred approach to care. Putting people right at the forefront of everything they do; it’s inclusive of everyone. They capture this philosophy through the roll out of ‘Together We’re Great’, an initiative which recognises the skills, talents, attributes and support areas for each and every person involved in the organisation. Together We’re Great aims to value individuality and promote excellence across the organisation.
A Participation Charter – a first-of-its-kind in the care home sector – commits to residents getting a bigger say than ever in the care they receive, from writing care home policies to recruiting staff.
Balhousie Care Group is the recipient of numerous awards. These include three Scottish Care Awards, 2019 Growth Business and 2018 Service Business of the Year at The Courier Business Awards, 2019 Growth Business of the Year Perthshire Chamber of Commerce STAR Award, and SME Scotland Business Man of the Year 2019 for Chairman Tony Banks.
