Simply The Best – Dorset Carers Scoop Coveted National Titles

Alain Fadonougbo and Mark Jeffries at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy have beaten all the competition to be crowned National Chef of the year and Health and Safety Champion in the Barchester Care Awards 2024.

The Barchester Care Awards celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,500 residents living in Barchester’s 262 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’.

More than 5,200 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and both Alain and Mark are over the moon to have been named the national winner, beating hundreds of other nominees to the coveted title.

Alain said: “ I feel very proud to have received this award and work with such a brilliant team. I hope all our residents enjoy my dishes and look forward to serving many more in the future”.

Alain and Mark’s win was announced at a special national award ceremony which took place on October 23 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, Mevin Sohorye said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of both Alain and Mark. They both are very dedicated to the Upton Bay family and we feel they provide exceptional service to our residents”.

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.”