A WOMAN has risen from care assistant to manager at a care home in Thornbury. 

Lucy Bolland has recently been appointed as care home manager at Beech House Care Home in Prowse Close. 

Lucy first qualified as a registered nurse 18 years ago, but actually started her career in care at Beech House, about 20 years ago when she worked briefly as a carer.

"I had always wanted to be a nurse, since I was four years old," she said. 

"I have always wanted to help people and make a difference in peoples’ lives. So, I followed my dream, worked really hard at school and went on to university.

"I stayed in the Surrey area for almost 10 years following my graduation as an NHS nurse working in gynaecology, general surgery and an early pregnancy unit.

So, 10 years ago she walked into the home, had an interview and got a job as a bank nurse; this gave her the flexibility that she needed to also have time to raise her family.

Lucy said: "I had young children, so I needed lots of flexibility and luckily the manager at that time was very accommodating.

"I was able to pick up shifts during the week around my children, this way I managed to maintain a good work-life balance.

"Then COVID hit and I had to decide whether to continue working and keep my children in school, or to stop working altogether.

Gazette Series: Lucy Bolland has been appointed as care home manager at Beech House Care Home in Thornbury Lucy Bolland has been appointed as care home manager at Beech House Care Home in Thornbury

"In the end, with the help of Bristol Care Homes who gave me new challenges and new opportunities, I decided to continue working to look after our residents."

During this time, Lucy started supporting management undertaking some administration tasks including the rotas and audits.

At that point she was given the opportunity to step up and support both the management and our residents by getting more involved in the running of the home.

Lucy went back to nursing ‘on the floor’ looking after residents.

She added: "At that moment, our CEO, Rich Crocker, offered me the opportunity to step up again transferring to Quarry House as interim deputy nurse manager." 

Then 4 months ago, another opportunity presented itself, the nurse manager position at Beech House became available and once again with the help and support of Bristol Care Homes, she put herself forward.

Lucy said: "I am very grateful that Bristol Care Homes recognised my potential and gave me opportunities to grow and develop professionally.

"I have always had that drive to make things better and develop myself, to make changes, to improve, and this was recognised within the homes."