Care worker marks two major milestones at Steeton nursing home

A Steeton care worker has marked two major milestones in recent weeks after working at Currergate Nursing Home for 40 years, as well as celebrating her 70th birthday – and she insists she has no plans to retire yet.

Gill Allen, who lives just a few minutes away from the well-known and popular nursing home, which sits on Skipton Road opposite Airedale General Hospital, started working at Currergate in 1986. Prior to that Gill was a childminder and had worked in a factory, but she had always admired Currergate’s grand and historic main building.

Today the nursing home is owned and managed by Saltaire based Czajka Care Group. However, the main building is steeped in history after being built in 1912 as a home for local bobbin manufacturer and timber merchant, Norman Dixon Walker, before it became a hotel. It has operated as a nursing home since 1982.

The Grade II listed building has benefitted from significant investment in recent years which has seen the addition of a stunning new orangery and a three-storey extension adding 15 new en-suite rooms, increasing the home’s capacity to 47 residents aged 65 and over.

Gill explained: “I’ve always lived in the local area and regularly passed Currergate and always thought what a beautiful building it is. One day, I plucked up the courage to walk up the long driveway, I knocked on the door and asked if they had any job vacancies. I was given a trial and never looked back!

“I took to the role like a duck to water and I get a huge amount of job satisfaction from working in a close-knit team and looking after the residents, making sure they’re happy and comfortable. They become friends, they tell you about their lives and you really get to know them, and they appreciate everything you do, which makes it very enjoyable.

“However, the downside is it’s heartbreaking when the time comes to say goodbye. This is something that both our team and other residents often find difficult and even after 40 years it’s still very hard when anyone passes away.”

Gill continued: “Despite this, I wouldn’t change it for the world. My husband calls Currergate my second home and even though I’ve just celebrated my 70th birthday, I still work 28 hours a week and wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I have two grown up children, 10 grandchildren and I’ll become a great grandma in March, but I like the routine that work gives me and I enjoy being busy, so I don’t have any plans to retire yet!”

Konrad Czajka, managing director at Czajka Care Group, said: “Gill is a brilliant asset to Currergate Nursing Home and we’re very fortunate to have her in our team. For 40 years, Gill has shown what true dedication looks like. Her compassion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to our residents has touched countless lives and helped shape the heart of our home. We are incredibly proud and grateful for everything she has given to our residents, their families and our team.”

Currergate Nursing Home was recently awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with several areas of its inspection report also rated ‘Outstanding,’ which follows a rigorous evaluation process by the inspection body.

In addition to Currergate Nursing Home, Czajka Care Group also offers a sought-after retirement community consisting of 14 elegantly designed three-bedroom houses, known as Currergate Mews, which sits within the grounds of the home.