Meet the Iris Court Care Home Team

Our wonderful team is comprised of nurses, carers, activities coordinators, chefs, housekeepers and more. These people are here to ensure that residents enjoy their time at the home and are supported to live life to the fullest. Meet some of our staff below:

Babu Rangarajan

General Manager, Safeguarding Champion

Hi, I am Babu the Senior General Manager for Iris Court care home. I am so proud to be able to lead a team of great carers at this beautiful new care home.

My vision is to build on the foundations that have been handed over to me and create a wonderful and person centred care facility to aid the lives of all of our residents. We will not only provide the highest levels of care in a premium environment, but will also deliver an individual plan for every resident to ensure that their lives are truly enriched.

I have worked in the care sector for over 15 years now, beginning as carer. I loved the role so much that i have worked in many different positions achieving a Level 5 NVQ in leadership and management to then regional director within the same company i had also won the prestigious award of care home manager until today where i find myself at the realm of this beautiful new home.

I am originally from the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka which itself is a beautiful part of the world. I am a very proud husband and father to two beautiful daughters who motivate and support me every single day. It is this blessing that makes me a better leader as I am always striving to ensure that the way I would want my own loved ones to be cared for is exactly what my team and I will do every day.

 

 

Tash Begum

Deputy General Manager, Infection Control Champion, Palliative Champion

Hi, my name is Tash and I am the deputy manager here at Iris Court and i have worked in the care sector for over 14 years. I started as a carer many years ago and fell in love with the industry. I also studied in the industry and a very proud day for me was my graduation from the University of Coventry where I achieved a BA with honours in social care and health studies. This gave me a great platform to advance my career in the care sector.

During my time as a carer I loved nothing more than sitting with my residents and chatting to them about their lives. I always found it so fascinating to hear their stories regarding the kind of life they led, families they had and historic chapters of world history that they lived through.

Outside of my work I am married and am incredibly dedicated to family life. We spend a lot of time together socialising and enjoying family get together. When I have time set just for me there is nothing more that i like than a bit of retail therapy and I can escape into a day that's all for me. 

I am incredibly proud to be part of the opening of Iris court,  and i cannot wait to start our journey with our residents and providing our excellent person centred care to enrich every day of their lives.

Cassie Hinton

Home Services Advisor

Hello my Name is Cassie. 

I am thrilled to be part of the team at Iris Court as the Homes Services Advisor. I have worked in the care industry for the last four years, and love making lasting bonds with our new residents and family members. My role means as Homes Services Advisor i am one of the first point of contacts you will meet when you begin your search for care. I am here to guide you through the process right up to move in day, then helping your loved one settle once they are here with us. 

Outside of work i am a self confessed gym lover!, i enjoy spending as much time as i can with my family and friends. I also love travelling and exploring different parts of the world and pride myself on having the oppurtunity to having worked in both France and Spain !.

Trudi Arnold

Administrator

Hello, I'm Trudi , and I'm honoured to serve as the Home Administrator at Iris Court. While I'm new to Barchester, my journey in the realm of care has been a rich tapestry of experiences. Previously, I've dedicated myself as a Senior Care Assistant in a Dementia Unit and as an Administrator in Mental Health Nursing Homes, equipping me with a deep understanding of the needs and nuances of compassionate care.

Outside of work, my heart belongs to my cherished family. With 35 years of marriage under my belt, my husband and I are proud parents to two wonderful daughters and doting grandparents to two grandchildren. Family gatherings are a cornerstone of my life; I find immense joy in connecting with my siblings, nieces, nephews, and their growing families.

In my downtime, you'll often find me exploring new destinations, lost in the pages of a captivating book, or immersed in the melodies of my favourite music. Above all, I treasure moments spent socialising with loved ones, cherishing each precious memory created. I'm excited to bring my passion for care and my love for building meaningful connections to the warm embrace of Iris Court.

Natalie Robinson

Activities co-ordinator, Wellbeing Champion

Hello, I'm Natalie, and for nearly five enriching years, I've dedicated myself to the role of an activity coordinator. My passion lies in understanding the unique interests of each individual under our care. At Iris Court, I strive to craft activities tailored to the preferences of our residents, ensuring no one ever feels socially isolated. Whether someone wants to participate minimally or fully immerse themselves, my goal remains constant: fostering a sense of community and joy in every moment.

Join me as we embark on this journey of connection, laughter, and shared experiences. Together, let's create cherished memories that will illuminate the path ahead. Welcome to Iris Court, where every day holds the promise of something special.

 

Jinesh George

Head Chef

Hi I am Jinesh, a seasoned professional in the care sector with an impressive 17-year journey dedicated to crafting culinary delights as a Head Chef.  I have a passion for food that knows no bounds, I find sheer joy in my role, where it seamlessly blends imagination and creativity to tantalise taste buds and bring smiles to faces.

Being a chef is more than just a profession; it's a calling to spread happiness through food. I firmly believe that the right meal has the power to uplift spirits and create unforgettable memories. With each dish we create, I pour my heart and soul into perfecting flavours and presentation, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.

Beyond the kitchen, I find fulfilment in my role as a devoted husband and father of three beautiful children, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. When I’m not busy concocting delicious dishes, I love to indulge in my passion for travel, reading, and cooking. Travelling, in particular, holds a special place in my heart, as it not only exposes me to new experiences but also allows me to immerse himself in diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines.

 

Csaba Bacsardi

Head of Maintenance, Health & Safety Champion

Hello! I'm Csaba, Head of Maintenance at Iris Court. With a tenure at Barchester Healthcare since 2021, I bring a wealth of experience to my role. Prior to joining the care sector, I spent many years as a maintenance manager for retail establishments and office blocks.

Transitioning into the care sector was a deliberate choice driven by my desire to work directly with people. Every day, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I can make a tangible difference to both my colleagues and our residents. It's the personal connections and the impact on their quality of life that truly drive me.

In my role, I strive to ensure that every corner of Iris Court is not just functional but also safe and comfortable for everyone who calls it home. Whether it's fixing a leaky tap or ensuring the heating system runs smoothly, I take pride in my work, knowing that it contributes to the well-being of our residents.

I find the work incredibly rewarding, and seeing the smiles on residents' faces makes all the hard work absolutely worthwhile. 

Julie Wallace

Receptionist

Hello, I'm Julie, and I'm thrilled to be part of the compassionate team here at Iris Court. With four years of dedicated experience in the care sector, I've found my passion in bringing joy and comfort to the lives of elderly residents.

My journey in caregiving began with disabled adults, where I discovered the profound impact of personalised activities and genuine companionship. Transitioning to working with the elderly felt like coming home; there's something truly special about brightening someone's day with laughter, camaraderie, and engaging activities.

Outside of work, you'll often find me indulging in hobbies like colouring, binge-watching TV shows and movies, immersing myself in a good book, finding peace through yoga, and cherishing moments with my beloved family.

 

Jijo Joseph

Senior Carer, Palliative Champion, Falls & Mobility Champion

Greetings! I'm Jijo, originally from India and currently proud to call Luton my home. With three years of dedicated service in the care sector, I bring a unique blend of skills and passion as the Senior Night Shift carer at Iris Court.

My journey into caregiving might seem unconventional, considering my background in business and programming, culminating in a master's degree with distinction from the University of Bedfordshire. However, my heart led me to embrace the care sector wholeheartedly. For me, it's not just a job; it's an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need, particularly the vulnerable amongst us.

As a tech-savvy individual, I appreciate the role technology plays in enhancing the quality of care we provide. Outside of work, you'll often find me indulging in my greatest passion: travelling. Exploring new cultures and landscapes fuels my sense of curiosity and adventure. Yet, amidst all the excitement, nothing compares to the warmth of spending quality time with my cherished family and friends.

 

Jack Bicheno

Host, Nutrition & Hydration Champion

Hello, I'm Jack, and I'm thrilled to be part of the compassionate team here at Iris Court care home. Transitioning from my previous role as a bartender at The George pub in Hitchin, I've found my calling in the care sector. As a Host my joy comes from brightening the days of our residents, staff, and visitors alike,

Outside of work, you'll often find me immersed in the world of rock and metal music, either listening or jamming on my electric and bass guitars. I also have a passion for staying active, whether it's through long runs or exploring the outdoors.

My heritage adds an extra layer of richness to my life. With Persian roots from my mum's side, I've developed a love for Persian cuisine and dream of one day exploring the land of my ancestors.

 

Donna Whittle

Senior Carer, Dementia Champion, Moving & Handling Champion

 Hi im Donna, my passion lies in providing person-centred care, ensuring each individual's unique needs are met with empathy and understanding. I find immense fulfilment in accompanying others on their journey through their later years, cherishing every story and memory shared with me.

Recently, I achieved my NVQ Level 3 in adult social care, further enhancing my knowledge and skills to better serve our residents. Beyond the rewarding realm of caregiving, I find solace in the simple joys of life. Whether it's strolling along the seaside with my loyal companion or indulging in the tranquillity of assembling jigsaw puzzles, I relish every moment spent unwinding. Oh, and you might catch me enthusiastically tuning into daytime television, particularly captivated by the heart warming tales of restoration on "The Repair Shop."

I'm thrilled to be part of the Barchester family, dedicated to enriching the lives of those we care for with warmth, respect, and dignity.

 

Gemma Thwaite

Second Chef

Hello! I'm thrilled to welcome you to our care home. With 17 years of culinary experience across the Care Sector, Restaurants, and Pubs, I bring a passion for crafting delightful meals and fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere. My journey began at catering college, where I earned my NVQ while honing my skills in a nursing home setting. Through an enriching apprenticeship, I immersed myself in competitions, even catching the eye of culinary legend Michael Roux, who graciously endorsed my talents.

Beyond the kitchen, I've embraced diverse roles, from captivating children as an entertainer to orchestrating bingo sessions - a testament to my vibrant spirit. Notably, I savoured the opportunity to train at Jamie Oliver's renowned restaurant in Milton Keynes, enriching my culinary repertoire.

Outside of work, you'll find me indulging in my passions for swimming and socialising, cherishing every moment with friends. My adventurous soul dreams of owning a food truck someday!.