Somerleigh Court, a 40-bed care home in Dorchester, Dorset, has appointed Kerry Mason as its new home manager. 

Kerry, who has broad experience of working within the care home sector, is seeking a 'challenge and a change' in her new role and is looking forward to bringing her creative ideas and high energy to the home.

Kerry has worked in care for over 20 years. Her passion for care began when she had a Saturday job as a 14 year old, working in a care home in Bognor Regis. She assisted the carers, made the tea and enjoyed spending time with the residents and listening to their life stories. 

After a varied early career working in publishing, as a marketing assistant and later gaining an HNC in nursing, Kerry worked in a care home, where she was renowned for her upbeat and positive personality. Kerry has run various care services and has previously managed two nursing homes in Poole and West Moors, Dorset.

Kerry already has ambitious plans for Somerleigh Court, she is introducing a new nail bar for residents and upgrading the in-house hair salon. She is also looking to build closer ties with the local community and to include a broader range of activities in the home. Somerleigh Court is currently rated as 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and Kerry is determined to see the home's rating boosted to 'Outstanding' within the year.

Kerry Mason, home manager, Somerleigh Court said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to be Somerleigh Court's new home manager and to join the friendly and dedicated team here. 

"I am looking forward to supporting the brilliant carers and getting to know all of our residents and their families. I enjoy hearing everyone's views about how we can make life here at Somerleigh Court even better and I can't wait to get cracking with this exciting new chapter for myself and the home."

Somerleigh Court Nursing Home is a nursing home in Dorchester, Dorset which provides nursing, residential, dementia and palliative care for up to 40 residents.