The manager of a Shrewsbury care home has paid tribute to its handyman who has retired after 17 years in post.
Tony Docherty, who worked at Barleyfields House, proved his dedication to the last after spending his final working day using his four-wheel drive vehicle to flatten snow that had blocked the entrance to the home in Monkmoor so staff could get in and out to look after residents.
The 64-year-old, who lives in Stoke on Tern near Market Drayton, had worked at Barleyfields since 2000, and was a popular figure around the home with staff, residents and visitors alike.
The home is run by Coverage Care and provides respite care for adults with learning disabilities. It has just been awarded a ‘good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission for the fifth time in row.
Trish Owen, the Registered Manager at the home in Crowmere Road, said Tony had been a key member of the small team of staff.
“Providing excellent care to our residents in a home from home atmosphere is down to the whole team here and Tony was an important part of that.
“He was crucial to the smooth operation of Barleyfields and nothing was ever too much trouble. The fact that his last day was spent out in the cold, tackling problems caused by the snow, demonstrates his dedication to his job.
“He was much loved by everyone here including residents who visited regularly and their families and we are very grateful to Tony for his hard work over the last 17 years.”
Tony was a runner up in the Employee of the Year category in the 2014 Shropshire Partners in Care awards.
