CELEBRATIONS are taking place at Threshfield Court Care Home after staff member Gill Harper was crowned Care Practitioner of the Year for Barchester’s North Division.

The competition is part of the Barchester Care Awards 2020 and made it through to the national finals in October.

The awards celebrate staff and volunteers who go the extra mile for the benefit of individuals living in Barchester care homes. Categories range from ‘Registered Nurse of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Maintenance Champion’ and ‘Team of the Year’.

More than 2,800 nominations were received from homes, residents, staff and relatives across the UK this year.

All entries have been of a very high standard and Gill says she is thrilled to have been named top in the region and is ready for the finals.

In October Gill will be invited to attend the Care Awards ceremony where the achievements will be celebrated, and the National Winners will be announced. We are planning for this to take place virtually on the 8th October 2020, further details to follow.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to be shortlisted but I am so pleased, and proud. We don’t work in care for the accolades but it’s wonderful to be recognised by my team and peers, it is nothing short of an honour.”

Senior general manager, Stacey Nicholson, said: “This is an amazing achievement, and the staff residents and community are supporting Gill wholeheartedly. It’s more important than ever to recognise everyone that has worked so hard. It is lovely to recognise these individuals. There isn’t a more worthy winner, and we’re really excited for the National Awards ceremony in October where Gill will hopefully take home the crown.”