Laura Sykes
Newtown St Boswells,The Scottish Borders
Summary
I'm a dedicated professional with a strong focus on the person-centred approach, demonstrating empathetic communication and adaptability to patient needs. Known for an approachable demeanour and reliable dependability, consistently resilient under pressure. Committed to enhancing patient care through effective interpersonal skills and a compassionate approach. Very motivated and experienced in hospital and in-home settings.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
Care Assistnant
Caddon Healthcare
2024.12 - Current
- Helped achieve patient independence through guided tasks and activities.
- Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
- Enhanced wellbeing of patients by providing emotional support and companionship.
- Assisted with personal care activities such as washing and dressing, consistently promoting positive health and hygiene.
- Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
- Built strong patient relationships through compassionate care and friendly rapport building.
- Monitored and documented client behaviours, activities and development, aiding appropriate care plan management.
- Delivered high-quality care to individuals with varying needs, tailoring support to meet personalised care plans.
Barmaid
Ship Inn
Melrose, Scottish Borders
2002.05 - Current
- Prioritised cleanliness, resulting in an inviting and hygienic bar environment.
- Increased customer satisfaction with swift problem resolution techniques.
- Recognised signs of intoxication in guests, refused service when necessary for safety compliance.
- Collaborated effectively with team members to ensure smooth operation.
- Performed closing duties, ensuring the venue was ready for business the following day.
- Improved customer engagement by maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanour.
- Handled challenging situations calmly, resolving issues promptly for patrons' satisfaction.
- Enhanced bar efficiency by keeping work areas clean and well-stocked at all times.
Support Manager
Brothers of Charity
Galashiels
2022.07 - 2025.10
- Championed person-centred care, leading to increased levels of dignity and respect for service users.
- Promoted an inclusive culture, enhancing employee morale and retention rates.
- Improved service delivery by implementing effective care plans.
- Oversaw people management for staff working in local communities, resolving queries, complaints and performance issues.
- Coordinated staff rota for efficient use of resources and high quality patient service.
- Liaised with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Fostered a positive working environment; improved team morale and productivity.
- Delivered high-quality service with excellent communication skills..
Support Worker
Brothers of Charity
Galashiels, The Scottish Borders
2015.08 - 2022.07
- Helped achieve patient independence through guided tasks and activities.
- Implemented care plans set out by healthcare professionals leading to improved patient well-being.
- Participated in regular team meetings, enhancing quality of care provided.
- Encouraged social integration by facilitating community involvement opportunities.
- Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
- Built strong patient relationships through compassionate care and friendly rapport building.
- Administered medication with rigorous planning and recordkeeping.
- Delivered high-quality care to individuals with varying needs, tailoring support to meet personalised care plans.
Senior Travel Consultant
Border Global Travel
Jedburgh, The Scottish Borders
2011.01 - 2015.08
- Organised special requests such as dietary requirements or wheelchair assistance for travellers.
- Provided expert destination knowledge to customers, enhancing their holiday experience.
- Created highly detailed itineraries that met specific client preferences and needs.
- Resolved complaints promptly, maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Established a loyal customer base with exceptional customer service skills.
Senior Travel Consultant
Henderson's Travel
Hawick, The Scottish Borders
2007.07 - 2011.01
- Established a loyal customer base with exceptional customer service skills.
- Created highly detailed itineraries that met specific client preferences and needs.
- Provided expert destination knowledge to customers, enhancing their holiday experience.
Assistant Manager
Cooperative Travel
Kelso, Scottish Borders
1997.07 - 2007.07
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the shop floor.
- Managed cash registers accurately reducing discrepancies at end of day reconciliation.
- Created a positive work environment, resulting in higher employee morale.
- Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and customer loyalty.
- Monitored sales performance regularly adjusting strategies as required.
- Built lasting relationships with clients, fostering loyalty and repeat business.
- Attended trade fairs to network with potential partners.
- Facilitated smooth booking processes to guarantee seamless travel experiences.
- Handled refunds and cancellations professionally, protecting client interests.
- Managed client complaints professionally, restoring trust and confidence.
Education
HNC - Healthcare Practice
Borders College
Galashiels 2025.09 -
NC - Travel & Tourism
Borders College
Galashiels 1996.09 - 1997.06
SVQ Level 3 -
Social Services & Healthcare SCQF LEVEL 7
2017.04 - 2018.03
A-Levels - Geography
Earlston High School
1995.08 - 1996.05
GCSEs - Maths
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05
GCSEs - English
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05
GCSEs - Chemistry
Earlston High School
1995.08 - 1996.05
GCSEs - Biology
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05
Skills
- Person-Centred Approach
- Empathetic communication
- Adaptable to patient needs
- Approachable demeanour
- Reliable dependability
- Resilient under pressure
Affiliations
- I’m a very outgoing person who enjoys interacting and helping others and treat everyone with respect and kindness. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking and running and I’m currently training for a marathon and will be raising money for charity. I also enjoy traveling and seeing new places and learning about different cultures. I am very committed, consistent, self-disciplined and motivated especially when balancing other life demands, and I'm not afraid to step out of my comfort zone.
Timeline
HNC - Healthcare Practice
Borders College
2025.09 -
Care Assistnant
Caddon Healthcare
2024.12 - Current
Support Manager
Brothers of Charity
2022.07 - 2025.10
SVQ Level 3 -
Social Services & Healthcare SCQF LEVEL 7
2017.04 - 2018.03
Support Worker
Brothers of Charity
2015.08 - 2022.07
Senior Travel Consultant
Border Global Travel
2011.01 - 2015.08
Senior Travel Consultant
Henderson's Travel
2007.07 - 2011.01
Barmaid
Ship Inn
2002.05 - Current
Assistant Manager
Cooperative Travel
1997.07 - 2007.07
NC - Travel & Tourism
Borders College
1996.09 - 1997.06
A-Levels - Geography
Earlston High School
1995.08 - 1996.05
GCSEs - Chemistry
Earlston High School
1995.08 - 1996.05
GCSEs - Maths
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05
GCSEs - English
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05
GCSEs - Biology
Earlston High School
1993.08 - 1995.05