Oxfordshire care worker who helped deliver baby wins award

Rajaa El Bendadi, a wellbeing assistant at Benson House Care Home in Wallingford, won the Care Home Worker Award at the Oxfordshire Care Awards.

The awards, organised by the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers, were held at The Oxford Belfry on March 21 to celebrate outstanding contributions to care across the county.

Cathy Deocadez, home manager at Benson House, said: “We’re incredibly lucky to have Rajaa on our Wellbeing team but she offers so much more to the whole community at Benson House.

“I can think of many situations where Rajaa has stepped in and made a huge difference to a resident, a relative or a team member, and I value her contribution to our care home immensely.

“I’m so pleased that her hard work and dedication have been recognised by this award.”

Ms El Bendadi is known for her compassionate and tailored approach to care, and has been described by relatives as one of the most sought-after staff members.

One family member said: “She works tirelessly to create a warm, engaging, and supportive environment for residents.

“Her patience, compassion, and creativity truly shine through in the activities she plans and the one-to-one time she gives.”

Ms El Bendadi once helped deliver a colleague’s baby when she went into labour alone at home, later driving the newborn and mother to hospital.

The baby was named Rajaa.