Donna McDermott was inspired to pursue a career in care after witnessing the great support her mum and grandmother received as they both battled with cancer.
Tragically, both died within months of each other, but Donna says she will never forget the amazing care her mum and ‘nanna’ received from the Macmillan Nurses.
So, in 2009, she went to college to do her Health and Social Care qualification and subsequently trained to be a Nurse.
Whilst she never completed her nursing training, what she learned has stood her in great stead throughout the rest of her career working in both domiciliary and residential care.
At her previous job, she worked as a Care Practitioner and Team Leader at a nursing home for people with complex needs.
Looking for a new challenge, she applied for, and was successful, the post of Deputy Manager at Lilibet Manor and started with us in August 2023. She shares responsibilities with our other Deputy Rebecca Bullock, with Donna overseeing the part of our setting which supports people with complex needs, and Rebecca having responsibility for our residents living with dementia.
Both report to our Manager Jenny Swimby.
Donna’s role involves everything from compiling staff rotas through to handling new referrals and ensuring our residents with complex needs are supported in a person-centred way.
“I was made to feel part of the team from day one and am really enjoying working at Lilibet Manor,” says Donna.
“It’s clear that this is an environment where the residents are treated as individuals and that the care is of the very highest standard.”
