Meet the Lydfords Care Home Team

From nurses and carers to chefs and housekeepers, staff in our home are here to deliver high quality care and services to those we support. Check below to meet some of the friendly faces you are likely to see when visiting our home:

Robert Dura-May

General Manager

Hi, my name is Robert, and I am the General Manager here at Lydfords.

I joined Barchester Healthcare as I was looking to use my life skills to enhance both the life of residents and team members.  I liked the values and description of Barchester as a care provider.

I really enjoy the daily challenges, team recruitment and always pushing and exceeding performance where I can.  I also enjoy adding value, enhancing care and giving elder life purpose to enable residents to engage in a fulfilled life.

I am passionate about delivering the levels and standards of care that I would expect for my own parents, who are sadly no longer with us. If I had known about Barchester when my own parents required care, my family would have not experienced such pain and anxiety, this is why I chose Barchester to ensure that other families do not, where possible, have to endure what I have experienced in the past.

I have over 25 years’ experience in the NHS, Private and Public business and have worked in the care sector with children, young adults, adults with acquired brain injury and the last 10 years in Elderly Care.

I have recently studied with Open University to ensure decisions made at the home reflect best practice in providing a safe community.

Making a difference to people's lives throughout my career has been my biggest achievement. I strive to continually develop which ensures that the individuals I care for experience the very best care and life enrichment in later life.

Every day is an achievement, delivering and pushing the levels of care to exceed the expectations of Barchester and myself.

Joseph Grey

Head Chef

Hello, my name is Joe and I am the Head Chef here at Lydfords. 

I have always worked with food in different capacities, training along the way to become a chef. I have worked as a chef in Australia whilst living out there. I have learnt amazing techniques and some incredibly creative ways to present food or combine flavours. 

Once I made the change from working in restaurants to care, I knew I found true passion. 

Working in care has completely changed my outlook, because, in care I get to pour my heart and soul into my work knowing that I am only doing what I am for the benefit of my residents.

 

Ellie West

Deputy Manager and Falls Champion

Hello, 
My name is Ellie, and I am the Deputy Manager at Lydfords. 
I have many years of care experience in different care settings, and I find it a very fulfilling role. 
I like to spend time with the residents and ensuring an excellent standard of care is delivered.

Samantha Harding

Home Services Advisor

Hello, my name is Samantha, and I am Lydfords home services advisor. I started working for Barchester in 2018.

My previous role was Senior Activity Coordinator. I am very passionate about making a difference and being able to help and support at the start of a person's enquiry process. 

I am here to assist and answer any questions you may have about our home, and I am always available for you to pop in for a chat and to have a look around.

Sky LeRoy

Care Community Lead and Wellbeing Champion

Hello, my name is Sky and I am the Care Community Lead at Lydfords. 

I have worked in care for 20 years around Sussex. My role is to support and lead the care team. 

From the moment someone arrives at the home I am very passionate about ensuring that their needs are met and everyday life enrichment is fulfilled to the highest standard. 

Jamie May

Administrator

My name is Jamie, I am the Administrator here at Lydfords. I have worked in the Care Sector since 2000 and at Lydfords since 2015. Previous to that I worked in banking for 23 years. I enjoy my role which is varied and fulfilling and I have a good rapport with residents and their families.

As the Speak Up Champion I am here as a point of contact for members of staff to be able to approach and confide in me with any issues or concerns they may have. 

I’m kept busy outside of work with the usual family commitments, which include four young grandchildren and my passion for sea fishing.

Carole Hierons

Activities Lead and Speak Up Champion

Hello, my name is Carole and I am the Activities Lead here at Lydfords. 

I have worked in this role for many years and I would not to do anything else. 

My job is to plan and oversee the amazing life enrichment activities and trips for all of our residents. It is such a rewarding role and I love planning and doing crafts with everyone. 

Tony Scott

Head of Maintenance

Hello,
My name is Tony, and I am the Head of Maintenance at Lydfords. I have many years experience and have previously supported other Barchester homes prior to my appointment here at Lydfords.
 

Erin Ferguson

Head Housekeeper

Hello, my name is Erin and I am the Head Housekeeper here at Lydfords. 
I thoroughly enjoy my role here and love spending quality time with the residents and their families and making sure they have a beautiful and clean environment to live in.

Lottie Ashdown-Ranger

Administration Assistant and Buddy Champion

I have recently joined the Barchester group as an Admin Assistant. I have previously worked in hospitality and I decided I wanted a change of path so when the opportunity to work at Lydfords came up I was more than happy to go for it.

I enjoy many different aspects of my job but my favourite is getting to know all off the people who pass through building daily. There is a very lovely team of people at Lydfords and I’m happy to be a part of it.

 

Kate Gilliam

Senior Carer

Hello, 

My name is Kate and I am a Senior Carer at Lydfords. 

At Lydfords we offer 24/7 care so I will be on hand with my team at night to ensure that the residents are well looked after and have everything they need. 

Donna Dinan

Senior Carer

Hello, My name is Donna and I am a Senior Carer here at Lydfords. I have worked in the care sector for many years. I enjoy being part of team and caring for others.

Roxana Leonte

Senior Carer

Hello, my name is Roxana and I am a Senior Care Assistant at Lydfords. I have been working in care for six years. I am naturally a caring person and I am passionate about ensuring the happiness and wellbeing of others. I love working with the team here at Lydfords and together we are able to provide exceptional care to all our residents. 

Wendy Bassett

Senior Carer

Hello, my name is Wendy and I am a Senior Care Assistant at Lydfords. 
I love working in care and helping others with whatever they need. I am passionate about looking after people and ensuring everyone is happy. 
I have worked in care for over 30 years and could not imagine doing anything else. 
I started at Lydfords in 2023 and it is such a lovely home and environment to be in. 

Leanne Britton

Senior Carer

Hello, my name is Leanne and I am a Senior Carer at Lydfords. 

I have worked in care for a number of years. I am very passionate about caring for others and find my role incredibly rewarding. My number one aim is ensure the happiness and safety of our residents. 

Hillery Ashdown

Hostess

Hello, my name is Hillery and the hostess at Lydfords. I have been in hospitality for many years and know how important the smaller details are to creating that perfect dining experience. Being a hostess is so sociable and it is lovely chatting to every resident each day. I am always there to get a drink and piece of cake as well. 

Samantha Deket

Healthcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Samantha and I am a Care Assistant. I really enjoy being part of such a lovely team and seeing the residents everyday. The dining experience is great to see everyone really enjoy the social side of it. I genuinely look forward to coming to work. 

Gary Baker

Healthcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Gary and I am a Carer here at Lydfords. I have always been in caring and supporting roles throughout my career. I feel am very patient and compassionate and these qualities really help me to excel in role and connect with the residents. 

Jodie Adams

Healthcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Jodie and I am a healthcare assistant. 
I love being part of a team that is so caring and knowledgeable.

Having the right patience and understanding is so important to each person so that they get the best care and support. 
I am always there to help with whatever someone needs. 

Janice Le Riche

Healthcare Assistant

Hello, my name is Janice and I am a health care assistant here at Lydfords. 

I ensure that each resident is happy and all their needs a met. From supporting with personal care to having a cup of tea and a chat. 
To make a difference to someone's day and be able to help them is such a rewarding feeling and makes my day also. 

Sue Bowers

Activities Coordinator

Hello,

I'm Sue and I am one of the Activity Coordinators here at Lydfords! 

As part of the Lifestyle Enrichment team I will be organising daily activities & I am responsible for keeping everyone busy and engaged in and around our beautiful home and gardens, as well as getting out and about as much as possible.

I will ensure our residents have varied activities to choose from each day.

I enjoy enriching our residents lives, creating memories and friendships.

Jane Harris

Activities Coordinator

Hello, My name is Jane and I am an activity coordinator here at Lydfords. 
I love my role and putting a smile on people's faces. This is honestly the best place I have worked. The staff are amazing, the home offers so many wonderful opportunities for the residents and they are always happy. Being an Activities coordinator is so rewarding. It genuinely fills me with joy when I see the residents having fun, singing and laughing. Filling their day with activities they enjoy.

Alina Shestopal

Second Chef

Hello, my name is Alina and I am the second Chef at Lydfords. I started at Lydfords as a kitchen assistant. 
My love of cooking soon became common knowledge and I was soon after promoted to 2nd Chef.
I love creating and experimenting in the kitchen and the residents enjoy trying some of my Ukrainian dishes.

Kayleigh Patmore

Housekeeping Assistant

Hello, my name is Kayleigh and I am a Housekeeping Assistant here at Lydfords. 

My background is working in hospitality.  
Everyday is different and fulfilling. I love working in such a friendly and welcoming environment and being part of team that makes a difference.

Janice White

Housekeeping Assistant

Hi, I'm Janice and I am a housekeeping assistant here at Lydfords. 
I have worked within the Barchester group for 10 years now in the House Keeping role between different homes in the area. I decided to recently move to the Lydfords home for a change of scenery and have enjoyed every moment since being here.
I love to know that my work helps the residents to live in a clean, comfortable environment.

Rose Cottington

Housekeeping Assistant

Hello, I'm Rose and I am the Housekeeping Assistant. I help ensure the home is clean and tidy for all of our residents. I really enjoy getting so spend time with everyone and getting to know them and their families. 

Jan Le-Flay Williams

Volunteer

Hello my name is Jan and I volunteer here at Lydfords. 

I have volunteered at other places before and also been a Carer for a loved on myself. 
I really enjoy coming in and spending time with everyone. I am a nail technician so you will often see my at my nail station in the lounge. 
Lydfords is such a lovely place and everyone here is so happy and friendly, I feel like I am coming to see my friends.