The remarkable journey of Maureen Mandipaza unfolds as the narrative of a determined woman with a clear vision from the outset. Underscoring the notion that commencing our aspirations from humble beginnings can pave the way to realising our dreams through unwavering dedication. Maureen’s achievements extend beyond personal triumphs; they encompass the provision of indispensable services to an industry integral to human well-being. Her story emanates a spirit of grit and tenacity.
In the quaint town of Bilston, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, Dravens Healthcare took root in November 2016. Maureen’s venture into the healthcare domain commenced at the age of 17 when she relocated to the United Kingdom. Initially embarking on a Nursing Diploma at Buckinghamshire University, her journey took a twist as she transitioned to the University of Central England in the West Midlands. After over 15 years, Maureen circled back to Buckinghamshire, having successfully secured a contract with Buckinghamshire NHS Trust under the banner of Dravens Healthcare. It’s a poetic twist of fate that her professional trajectory led her back to the very place where it all began.
Reflecting on her motivation, Maureen shares, “Losing my mother at the tender age of 17, whom I personally cared for by providing hands-on assistance, fueled my determination to embark on a journey of nursing and caregiving. I was driven to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need of care.” The genesis of her career unfolded as a care assistant at a facility in Aldridge. In those early years, the wage of £3.60 per hour, reflective of the minimum wage at the time, may have seemed modest, but for Maureen, it represented not just a livelihood but also the means to support her siblings back home. The modest beginnings of her professional journey laid the foundation for the impactful trajectory that was to follow.
“After years of valuable experience in various healthcare roles, both as a practitioner and nurse manager, I made a pivotal decision to venture into the realm of domiciliary care. Recognising the importance of quality over quantity, I was determined not to succumb to the industry norm of providing brief 15-minute service calls. My goal was clear – to establish an organisation that prioritises safe and humane care, striving to offer our clients the best possible assistance” Maureen narrates.
The journey, however, was not without its share of challenges. Obtaining favorable rates from local authorities proved to be a hurdle, hindering our ability to adequately compensate our staff and cover travel time. As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), the lack of recognition for the crucial work we do in the care sector added to our struggles.
The aftermath of Brexit brought about a significant workforce shift, with an exodus of European employees. Recruiting locally became a challenge due to factors like low pay rates and demanding hours. A plea is extended to decision-makers to advocate for increased funding in health and social care, making the sector more appealing to local residents.
In the face of these challenges, a silver lining emerged with the introduction of the Sponsorship Visa, leading to a surge in care staff joining the sector. This allowed us, as employers, to enhance diversity in our workforce and promote inclusion. A noteworthy achievement for Dravens Healthcare is our ability to provide safe care to over 1000 homes and individuals in the last seven years. Embracing innovation, we have transitioned to a 90% paperless system, utilising technology to track employee locations and attendance, providing peace of mind to our clients. Additionally, the business has become crucial partners to NHS, (National Health Services) discharge teams, helping alleviate bed unavailability pressures, especially during winter.
“Our commitment to being a people-centred organisation is evident in our focus on employee development. Testimonials within our organisation highlight the growth and career development of staff members who started in entry-level positions. A groundbreaking move for Dravens Healthcare was the launch of our franchise model, allowing us to extend our impact across the UK and garnering interest from countries like Australia, the USA, and South Africa. This expansion is poised to have a significant global impact on care delivery” CEO Mandipaza said.
Recently, Dravens Healthcare celebrated its seventh year of excellence with a Red-Carpet Awards Night. The event, held at the Holiday Inn hotel in Aylesbury, was attended by esteemed guests, including the Mayor of Aylesbury, Clnr Steven Lambert. The night recognised the dedication of Dravens in delivering exceptional healthcare, showcasing the positive impacts through awards and testimonials.
Dravens Healthcare, 7th-Year Anniversary & Awards Ceremony
In her opening remarks, CEO Maureen Mandipaza expressed immense pride in the seven-year journey. The event, reminiscent of Hollywood glamour, featured awards for innovation, leadership, and community engagement, underscoring Dravens Healthcare’s commitment to excellence. “As we mark this remarkable milestone, Dravens Healthcare looks toward the future with renewed determination. The Red Carpet Awards Night not only acknowledged past accomplishments but also served as an inspiration for the years to come. Dravens Healthcare remains committed to delivering exceptional care and making a positive impact on the lives within the community.”
Guided by Maureen’s exemplary leadership, Dravens Healthcare is poised for continuous growth and success, with its imminent expansion into other countries reflecting the organisation’s commitment to excellence. Maureen stands as a beacon in the realm of employment creation and dignified service, showcasing the remarkable impact that individuals like her can have on both local and international communities.
The narrative of Maureen’s success not only paints a picture of personal achievement but also becomes a powerful symbol of empowerment for the African child. It highlights the immense potential that unfolds when individuals, particularly women, confidently step into their spaces and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
Maureen’s journey is a testament to the fact that, regardless of background or circumstances, anyone can achieve remarkable feats. She embodies the spirit of resilience and tenacity, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, one can overcome challenges and carve a path to success. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals striving to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
In celebrating Maureen’s accomplishments, we not only recognise a leader in the healthcare industry but also acknowledge the broader significance of her journey in breaking barriers and setting an example for others to follow. As Dravens Healthcare continues to flourish under her guidance, the ripple effects of her success are bound to inspire future generations, reinforcing the belief that with passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, dreams can indeed become reality.
Maureen’s story is not just a personal triumph; it is a collective narrative of empowerment and the potential for positive change. Through her achievements, she showcases the capabilities of individuals to transcend limitations, contribute meaningfully to society, and shape a future where success knows no bounds. In essence, Maureen’s success is a true testament to the incredible heights that can be reached when one embraces their journey with purpose and resilience.
Awesome.well done Maureen.One girl child who broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, achieved greatness and inspired a lot of women. Continue standing tall and uplifting us.