Heathlands Chef Crowned Winner at Care Awards

A chef who has elevated the dining experience at a Sanctuary Care home in Pershore has won a prestigious Worcestershire Health and Social Care Award.

Ruaan Prins, Chef Manager at Heathlands Residential Care Home in Pershore, was named winner of the Care Home Worker Award, recognising individuals who make an outstanding contribution to care.

While Ruaan’s role centres on food, judges recognised that his impact reaches far beyond the kitchen. During his three years at Heathlands, he has worked closely with residents and care colleagues to understand people’s preferences, routines and life stories, helping him create meaningful dining experiences tailored to those who live at the not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home.

One of his most successful initiatives has been the introduction of regular fine dining evenings, after residents shared memories of enjoying meals out at restaurants. The events see Heathlands transformed into an elegant restaurant setting, complete with beautifully dressed tables, waiter service and a drinks reception.

The evenings have become a highlight for residents and their families, recreating the atmosphere and enjoyment of dining out. Building on their success, Ruaan expanded the concept to welcome family carers, their loved ones and members of the local community, providing a dementia-friendly environment where guests can enjoy restaurant-quality food and companionship.

Ruaan’s commitment to enriching lives through food has already earned recognition across Sanctuary Care. He was named Best Performing Chef across the organisation’s Worcestershire homes before going on to win Sanctuary Care’s national MasterChef competition last year, which was open to chefs across its 109 care homes in England and Scotland.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ruaan said: “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have won this award. It means so much to me.

“Working at Heathlands reminds me every day that care is about people first, our residents, their stories, preferences and experiences, not just the food we serve.

“A huge thank you to my amazing colleagues and everyone who has supported me along the way. I am so proud to do what I do and proud to be part of Sanctuary Care.”