NEWS HR

A nurse has been suspended for a year as she does not speak fluent English. Liliana Ardelean worked as a carer at Kineton Manor Nursing Home for two months from October 2018 after being employed through an agency. But staff at the home referred her to the Nursing and Midwife Council (NMC) after raising concerns about her language skills. Despite being a registered nurse she took a position as a carer with a view to improve her English while working, and to eventually hold a nursing role. But colleagues said her English was poor and residents often struggled to understand her, meaning she had to be accompanied by other carers who could ‘translate’ for her. She was also offered language classes by the manager which she did not undertake. Miss Ardelean later held positions at care homes Peaker Park in Market Harborough, and through Hallmark Care Homes – which has 18 sites including Anya Court in Rugby – but managers at both homes also said her language skills needed improvement. The NMC has suspended her from the nursing register for a year as she ‘does not have the necessary knowledge of English to practise safely and effectively.’ She must take an English Language Test to show she can fully use the language, something which Miss Ardelean admits she is not ready to do. A panel spokesman said: “UK nurses need to be able to communicate clearly in English in order to provide safe and effective care. “Miss Ardelean, with her current lack of knowledge of English, is liable in the future to put patients at unwarranted risk of harm and also bring the profession into disrepute.”

Four Seasons chairman Martin Healy has stood down following the unification of the care group’s brands. The move follows the unification of the Four Seasons and brighterkind businesses in December along with the handover of 44 care homes to rival operators.

The chairman of the governing board of an Elgin care home is stepping down after a five-year stint at the helm. Dr David Evans, who has led Anderson’s through turbulent times in the sector to a position of strength, described working with the home’s dedicated team as a privilege.

A leading housing association has confirmed four new members to its board of management. Grŵp Cynefin, has appointed Geraint George, Jane Lewis, Mike Corfield and Tony Jones to its 10-strong management board which is responsible for all aspects of the association’s activities and directs the affairs of the association in accordance with its objectives and rules.

NorseCare has announced that its managing director Karen Knight will step down after eight years in the role.

Cornerstone Healthcare, the Hampshire based specialist care provider, has appointed Michelle Murchan as General Manager of its home, South Africa Lodge.

Nikki Higgins has been appointed home manager at Ideal Carehomes’ Hambleton Grange in Thirsk.

Residential retirement developer and operator Elysian Residences has appointed Katherine Rose as Director of Marketing and Sales.