WHAT'S NEW? HISTORY-MAKING COVID VACCINE NURSE MAY PARSONS JOINS MARIA MALLABAND CARE GROUP
When May Parsons stepped forward on 8 December 2020 to administer the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials, she became a symbol of hope at a moment when healthcare was under incredible pressure and the world was facing widespread uncertainty.
Almost five years later, that same commitment to care, leadership, and public service is guiding her into a new chapter at Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG) – one of the UK’s leading independent care home providers.
After a 24-year career in the NHS, May has joined MMCG as Director of Operational Quality – South. Within this role, she’ll be responsible for clinical standards, practice development, and the quality of care across the group’s homes in the region. She’ll be working both hands-on with the teams and behind the scenes to help the group keep raising the bar.
Her career highlights are remarkable: nursing on the frontline during the pandemic, earning a master’s in health management while still working clinically, and representing thousands of colleagues to receive the George Cross on behalf of the NHS from Queen Elizabeth II. On top of this, she was part of the Queen’s funeral procession, founded the May Parsons Foundation to support aspiring Filipino nurses, and was recently shortlisted for Nursing Times ‘Leader of the Year’ award.
For May, her latest career move is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal decision. When asked why she chose MMCG for her next big move, she said she was drawn to the “focus on ‘Aspiring for Excellence’.”
May said: “Quality, safety, and staff support aren’t just slogans – those values are actively practiced throughout the group.” In MMCG she saw “teams who consistently go above and beyond for those in their care and their families.”
With almost 80 homes across the country, Maria Mallaband Care Group goes far beyond meeting care needs – they help people
live fulfilling, meaningful lives. Every home is built around understanding each person individually: who they are, what matters to them, and their day-to-day choices. From home cooked ‘Hug on a Plate’ meals to inclusive cultural celebrations and their extensive ‘More…’ lifestyle programme that supports mind, body, and soul, MMCG’s approach is all about dignity, independence, compassion and high-quality care.
May added: “While I am stepping out of the NHS, with MMCG I am staying true to the values which have guided me throughout my career.
“At the heart of MMCG is the compassionate and committed team who put those in their care first – just as my NHS colleagues have done during the decades I worked in the health service.”
In her new role, May leads and supports clinical practice across the region. She works closely with teams to share ideas, strengthen quality, and find new ways to keep improving. Being visible and approachable is important to her – she spends time in homes, listens to staff, and helps create a culture where people feel confident to speak up and know they’ll be heard.
With strong leadership needed in the care sector more than ever, due to increasing complexity of needs, workforce pressures, and high expectations, May’s commitment to MMCG is perfectly timed. “I have many goals,” she said. “One is to support staff, so they feel valued, confident, and equipped to deliver the excellent care they strive for every day. That’s incredibly important.”
For May, joining MMCG is a natural continuation of a career shaped by compassion and service. For MMCG, her arrival brings the experience and leadership of someone who has played a defining role in modern healthcare – reinforcing the group’s drive to elevate quality, empower teams, and ensure those they support can live well, every day.
www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk
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www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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