Meet the Derham House Care Home Team

Our trained team of professionals work together to create the best possible experience for those living in the home, striving to deliver excellent care services in a warm, homely environment. You can find out more about some of our wonderful staff members below:

Hugo Gomes Ruela

General Manager

Hi, my name is Hugo, and I am the General Manager here at Derham House. Welcome to our website!

I qualified as a nurse in Portugal and developed a diverse clinical background, namely in intensive care.

Upon moving to the UK in 2015, I developed a true passion for palliative care and obtaining great outcomes in difficult situations. My management career started in 2017, having experience in both residential and nursing settings.

I am delighted to work with the residents, their families and staff here at Derham House.

My door is always open to discuss the care we provide so please drop in for a cup of tea.

Patience Katsande

Registered Nurse

My name is Patience and I qualified with a diploma in 2004. I worked on the Channel Islands for 14 years on dementia & rehabilitation wards. I progressed through my professional practice attaining a clinical practice degree at the University of Southampton. I joined Barchester in 2019 working as a senior nurse on our memory lane community.  I not only enjoy my responsibilities but I work to make a difference in other people’s lives. Nursing is a part of me not just a job and I am fortunate to be able to do something I love every day.

Ritica Radulescu

Registered General Nurse

My name is Ritica, I am a Registered General Nurse at Derham House.

I joined Derham house in July 2021, and I have worked for Barchester since 2014. My role is to ensure that all residents are provided with the best possible care.  My goal is to promote wellness and quality care for residents, focusing on dignity, respect and choice.

Jacky Smith

Administrator

I joined Derham House in April 2021. I experience working in care homes, and I was fortunate to meet a lot of movie and TV stars. I am very much a people person; I am very sociable and approachable. 

Maria Wells

Activities Coordinator

I have been at Derham House since 2014 and have subsequently gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the care sector. 

Working here has been a wonderful experience; the staff are very welcoming.

My previous roles have included a Care Assistant, but I am now an Activities Coordinator – a position that I fully enjoy. I love spending time with residents and ensuring that they are happy.

Kay Thompson

Activities Coordinator

I have worked in the care sector for many years. I am fully trained in dementia awareness, and I have also trained as a dignity champion. I have been working here at Derham House since March 2019, and I am really enjoying my role here.

Andy Fillary

Head of Maintenance

I joined the team in 2018 and, since then, I have also taken on the role of Health & Safety Champion. It is my duty to keep the building in good repair and ensure everyone’s safety.

Derham House is a lovely home with beautiful scenery, and everyone who visits us is guaranteed a warm and welcoming hello. I take great pride in our wonderful gardens and I ensure that our home is kept to a very high standard.

I’m here to help in any way I can, and will always make time for a quick chat.

Saida Stepanaviciene

Head of Housekeeping

Saida has worked at Derham House from 2007.  She started as Housekeeping Assistant and now she manages the department. Thanks to Saida and her team of ladies in pink, Derham House is proud of its reputation for cleanliness. Saida appreciates how important the home environment is for residents and her team make a wonderful effort everyday.

Kerri Ward

Admin Assistant

Hi my name is Kerrie and I started working at Derham House in November 2021.  I have previously worked as a carer and loved spending time with the residents.  I am really enjoy working in an environment where I feel part of a team who go out of their way to help our residents and families in any way we can.

Idris Bangbala

Carer

Hi, my name is Idris and I am one of the Carers here at Derham House.

I became a Carer because there is nothing more rewarding than making a positive impact on someone's life and improving their happiness. Since working at Derham House I have enjoyed being part of this great team and getting to know the residents, I love putting a smile on their faces each day.

My family is very important to me and I want the families of each resident to know that I am caring for their loved one in the way that I would want my family cared for.