THREE dedicated Wiltshire care professionals from the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) have received prestigious Bronze Medals from the British branch of the world’s oldest order of chivalry – the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Rosana Elana Hallett, from Melksham, and Sarah Cornell from Malmesbury were joined by Susan Jones, from Salisbury, at The Order of Malta’s St John’s Day Ceremony, which was held at Brompton Oratory in London on 23 June. Hundreds of other people, including Knights and Dames of the Order, the Venerable Order of St. John and World Ambassadors, attended the event.

Activity Co-ordinator Rosana’s nomination for the award said she “has been a loyal and totally dedicated member of the team at Brookside in Melksham, for almost 15 years. In addition to her normal working hours, Rosana devotes much of her own time to arranging and preparing an exceptional range of activities for all of our residents.

“Rosana has arranged many amazing experiences, including two camels visiting the home and a chance to try belly dancing during our virtual world cruise. With Rosana’s inspiration, colleagues now entertain our residents with their own ‘McBrookie Scottish Dancers’ and the ‘Brookside Morris Men’ much to everyone’s delight. Rosana is truly amazing and deserves recognition.”

Sarah Cornell supports Athelstan House in Malmesbury. Her nomination said: “Sarah regularly organises outings for the residents and encourages her fellow companions to host coffee mornings or tea parties, which our residents thoroughly enjoy. Sarah has also organised trips to Highgrove (Prince Charles’ home) which is a real highlight for all involved.

“Sarah organises fundraising events to help the home and encourages visits from members of the community to join in. Sarah will always shy away from any recognition of her volunteering, but this would be a lovely acknowledgement for all that she does for the Orders of St John Care Trust.”

Susan Jones, who is a Care Leader at Bemerton Lodge in Salisbury, was nominated because: “She has been a true beacon of care and consistency at Bemerton Lodge. Sue started as a Housekeeper and has worked her way up to Care Leader. Her commitment and patience makes her an extremely popular member of the team. Nothing phases Susan, she always puts the need of others above her own supporting and mentoring her colleagues in all aspects of their jobs.”

Aaron Whitehead, OSJCT’s Assistant Operations Director in Wiltshire said: “Each year, the Sovereign Order of Malta recognises some of our finest care employees, and this year is no different. Rosana, Sarah and Susan are three of the hardest working employees within the Trust and we are delighted that they are part of our team.

“Delivering the highest level of person-centred care is our utmost priority, and being awarded such a prestigious national award is a testament to all of the passion and dedication our team put into meeting the needs of each and every one of our residents.”

The British Association of The Order of Malta was founded in 1875. A worldwide organisation dating from the eleventh century, the Order of Malta has 12,500 members, with around 300 belonging to the British Association.

The Order of Malta is one of the sponsoring Orders of OSJCT (the other being the Venerable Order of St John), and it provides eight of the organisation’s Trustees. The Order’s mission is to help those in need, and OSJCT’s provision of care for older people forms part of this mission.

For more information about OSJCT, visit www.osjct.co.uk.