Health and safety officer appointed at Shrewsbury care company

Stuart Colthurst said he was delighted to have become health and safety officer for Shrewsbury-based Adelphi Care Services.

The 29-year-old joined the firm at Longbow Professional Centre in Harlescott after starting as a support worker two-and-a-half years ago.

Mr Colthurst, who lives in Shrewsbury but is originally from Ireland, said: “I didn’t hesitate when I was offered this promotion.

“I have only been in the job a matter of weeks but it has been really good so far and very positive.

“Health and safety is a key part of any industry but particularly our industry where we are working with vulnerable adults with such complex needs on a daily basis. Their welfare and that of our staff is paramount.”

Mr Colhurst, who will also be responsible for general property maintenance, said:

“As our property portfolio and the number of staff and service users has increased it has become clear that a health and safety role was needed.

“It means I can dedicate my time to keeping staff informed about health and safety and to make sure they are doing things in the right way. in order to protect our service users.”

Mr Colthurst enjoyed a teaching role after completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education before deciding to join Adelphi Care Services, which has been caring for adults with learning disabilities for 21 years.

Joe Kwaterski, business development manager at Adelphi Care Services, said: “Health and safety is key to Adelphi Care Services so we felt it was of great importance that we had someone in place who could guide our policy in the area and make improvements and changes if necessary.

“I am pleased to say that Stuart is proving a success so far and it can only get better.”

The firm based at Longbow Professional Centre in Harlescott, which employs more than 120 staff , has a portfolio of residential properties in Wem, Shrewsbury and Staffordshire.

They offer a home for people aged from 19 to 64 who have learning difficulties, Autism or Aspergers, in addition to supported living and domiciliary services.