Care stars shine at Barchester Awards

Finalists celebrated in style at Barchester’s sixth care awards as winners from 12 categories were announced at the dazzling evening ceremony at the Hyatt Regency, Birmingham.

Barchester encourages its employees to share the special difference their colleagues make to the lives of the residents they care for and the support they give to their families. This year there were more than 550 entries from homes all over the UK and Ireland.

Seven chefs took part in a cook-off at University College Birmingham’s kitchen earlier in the day to determine the title of ‘Chef of the Year’. Celebrity chef and judge, Paul Rankin, gave the chefs advice as well as his valued opinion on the four courses they whipped up.

New for 2012 was the category of ‘Administrator Champion’, which recognises the front of house role administrators fulfil at all Barchester homes. The judges of this award were looking for someone that provides high levels of support to the families, residents and their colleagues.

The annual Barchester Care Awards 2012 winners, are:

• Chef of the Year - Sonya Bakalova, Ashcombe House in Hampshire
• Barchester’s Charitable Foundation Champion - The Tin Shakers band, White Lodge in Wiltshire
• Administration Champion - Cidalia De Abreu, Brook House in London
• Carer of the Year - Chloe Barnes, Badgeworth in Gloucestershire and Emma Rust, Wood Grange in Lincolnshire
• Nurse of the Year - Sarah Finnegan, Knightsbridge in Ireland
• Diverse Services Champion – Simon Richell, The Hawthorns in Durham
• Home Trainer of the Year – Mark Culley, North Park and Hundens in Durham
• Apprentice of the Year – Chloe Fardell, Newton House in Lincolnshire
• Activities Co-ordinator of the Year - Tim Gannon, Oulton Park in Suffolk
• Maintenance Champion - Nathan Kidd, The Warren in Norfolk
• Hospitality Champion - Joyce Woodmore, Strachan House in Midlothian
• Memory Lane Champion - Rachel Foord, Hunters in Gloucestershire

Mike Parsons said: “This year is our 20th anniversary and it is at awards like these that I am reminded just how amazing and dedicated all our staff are. Person-centred care is at the core of everything Barchester is about. Whether it’s a chef asking a resident about their food likes and dislikes or a member of our maintenance team finding time to help a resident with a crossword puzzle, caring is at the forefront of all that we do.”