New Care has appointed Kerry Smith as its regional manager, responsible for Yorkshire and East Midlands regions.

Smith joins the senior management team and will work with New Care’s home managers to maintain the highest operational and quality standards and ensure exceptional person-centred care is delivered to all residents. She will also play a key role in the commissioning of new homes as the company expands, supporting the opening of new homes in Adel later this month and Guiseley in Leeds early next year.

Smith has worked in healthcare for more than 30 years starting as a student nurse in 1988, working in care homes specifically since 1994 and in the management of care homes since 2006. Before joining New Care, she held regional management positions for other care home brands and also worked for a not-for-profit operator.

She said: “I’m delighted to join New Care and am looking forward to working with like-minded people to deliver personal care that enhances the wellbeing and daily lives of each one of our residents and supporting the management team to ensure our brand values and high standards are maintained as we expand into new geographical areas. It’s such an exciting time for New Care and I am pleased to be a part of it.”

Chief operating officer Cath Fairhurst added: “Kerry is the perfect choice for this role and I’m confident that she will provide invaluable support as we grow, helping to maintain our high standards and reputation as we expand and ultimately help us achieve outstanding ratings from the CQC and local authorities as we move into new areas. It’s great to have her as part of the team.”

Smith has been a registered general nurse since 1991 and holds a BA (Hons) in Dementia Studies.