Simply The Best – Islington Care Home Director Scoops Coveted National Title

Staff and residents at Cheverton Lodge care home in Islington are celebrating because their wonderful colleague, Wayne Hughes, has beaten all the competition to be crowned National Foundation Champion of the Year in the Barchester Care Awards 2023.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 257 care homes and private hospitals across the country. Categories range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’.

Almost 4,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and Wayne is over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title in recognition of all his hard work fundraising for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

Earlier this year Wayne was part of a team that completed the Ride 100 cycling challenge where he cycled 100 miles from London to Essex to raise funds for Barchester’s Foundation which helps connect vulnerable people and those living with a disability to community groups in their local area.

Wayne, Regional Director Barchester Healthcare’s London homes, said: “I just can’t believe I have been named the national winner along with my teammates!  I am so proud and so thankful to everyone who nominated and voted for us.  It means the world to be recognised for doing something I am so passionate about.” 

Wayne’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony which took place on October 11 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’s many exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.

General Manager of Cheverton Lodge care home, Krisztina Vadnai, said: “This is such a fantastic achievement, the whole home is so proud of Wayne.  He is so dedicated and always go the extra mile.  We can’t believe how brave he is taking on such tough challenges all in the name of such a worthy cause!”

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, added: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year.  We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our members of staff, they are all absolutely amazing.”