Special Gardens For Residents And Staff Of Bupa Care Homes
Caregiver Ruby Scares and Mark Ellerby Of BUPA
Staff and residents at Bupa Care Homes were acknowledged today with the gift of commemorative gardens at all six
Christchurch sites and one site in Wellington. Bupa Care Services UK has thanked staff for their effort during the
earthquake crisis. This gesture comes with a plan to develop a special area in the garden at each of the care homes that
both residents and staff can enjoy for future years to come.
Sadly, three Bupa caregivers were in the CTV building attending English language classes at the time of the February
earthquake and died as a consequence of the destruction. They were Ivy Carbunilas from Cashmere View, Rhea Sumalpong
from Parklands and Lalaine Agatep from Harbourview (Wellington). Many other staff were also affected because of damage
to their homes or had family and friends who were affected.
Today a special ceremony took place at Parklands Hospital with the gifting of specially engraved park benches to staff
representing the garden development. The gift was officially received by close friend of Rhea Sumalpong Ruby Sacares who
is a caregiver at Parklands Hospital.
Rhea's mother greeted the news of the gardens with joy. "We are so happy that there will be a memorial for Rhea in
Christchurch and she will be happy too" said Mrs Sumalpong. It is understood that Rhea particularly loved lavender so
particular effort will be made to incorporate lavender bushes in the Parklands garden.
"Bupa staff here in Christchurch continued to deliver care to our residents under immensely difficult conditions, we are
very proud of the effort they made". said Mark Ellerby, Managing Director of Care Services Division Global. "We hope the
gardens will be a place that brings joy to both staff and residents."
After the February earthquake Bupa care homes and villages around New Zealand did a significant amount of fundraising
which was then matched 150% by Bupa Care Services UK. A special trust fund offering no interest loans was set up to
further assist those employees in special need of assistance which has been accessible via an application process.
The gardens are just one of the many things that Bupa have done to help support their staff and residents in what has
been a very difficult year.
ENDS