Honouring Mrs. Alison Aberdeen, Manager, Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court
It is with both pride and heartfelt emotion that we bid farewell, but certainly not goodbye, to our much respected and cherished Home Manager, Mrs. Alison Aberdeen.
Alison’s journey began in Birmingham at the young age of 15, working in a bustling city centre café. Her brief stint in the world of eggs and fry-ups didn’t last long, mainly due to her being unable to cook eggs! (her husband Paul assures us the egg cooking hasn’t improved!), but it set her on a path of resilience and determination that would define her career.
After school, Alison spent several years working as an administrator at Anglian Windows before finding her true calling, caring for others. In 1995, she began working with the elderly in the community, visiting their homes, offering help with daily tasks, and more importantly, sharing moments of kindness and conversation. It was a role she truly loved.
Never one to stand still, Alison pursued her passion further by enrolling in an Open University degree in Health and Social Care while pregnant with her son Jack. She graduated with flying colours, proving once again that determination and compassion are a powerful combination.
Her next chapter led her to Birmingham Dental Hospital, where she trained and qualified as a Dental Nurse, eventually becoming the Senior Nurse on Ward 6 West, specialising in restorative dentistry. Her leadership and warm personality won her lifelong friendships, many of which remain strong to this day.
Alison then took on a new challenge as Community Health Board Nurse Manager for the South Birmingham Community Health Care Foundation Trust.
Alison faced one of her most complex professional challenges, the merger of Birmingham Community Health Board with Birmingham Dental Hospital. Alongside the clinical lead, she was entrusted with overseeing this significant transition. It was a period marked by uncertainty, numerous consultations, and difficult staff reassignments. Emotions ran high, and Alison became the central figure in managing concerns, frustrations, and questions. True to her character, she approached every meeting with calm, clarity, and compassion, listening intently, responding with empathy, and guiding staff through change with grace and professionalism. Her ability to lead through such a turbulent time speaks volumes of her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to both colleagues and patients.
In 2010, Alison and Paul found a peaceful haven on the Gower Peninsula, a cherished family retreat. With dreams of one day making Wales their permanent home, it wasn’t long before Alison’s heart led her to start applying for jobs. And once her son Jack was nearly out the door, the timing was perfect.
Since joining the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court, Alison has been nothing short of transformative. Her exceptional leadership has been key to the many accolades the home has received. Loved by residents, admired by staff, and respected across the wider community, Alison has left a lasting legacy of compassion, excellence, and integrity.
As she now steps into her exciting new role as Regional Operations Manager, we have no doubt she will continue to inspire, guide, and lead with the same grace and dedication that she brought to every day with us.
We’ll miss her dearly, but we know this isn’t goodbye. We look forward to welcoming her back in her new capacity, perhaps over a pot of tea and a punnet of Strawberries & Cream at our next Strawberry Tea.
Thank you, Alison—for everything.