The team at Gateford Hill Care Home in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, is celebrating after winning the 2023 Care Home of the Year award at the Maria Mallaband and Countrywide Care Awards (MMCG).

These annual in-house awards celebrate excellence in every area across the care group’s 80+ care homes around the UK and its head office.

Along with awards for individuals, one home is named as ‘Care Home of the Year’ – recognising the entire team within a home, taking into account all elements including good reviews, good CQC ratings, high occupancy, and an all-around great team environment that benefits all of those living there.

This year, Gateford Hill Care Home scooped the coveted top award, celebrating the combined effort and achievement of all the staff there.

Care Home Manager, Jane Clinch, said: “We are over the moon to have been named Care Home of the Year – it is a tremendous accolade, and a true testament to the hard work, compassion, kindness and commitment of the team here.

“Our colleagues give their all, bringing positivity and enthusiasm to everything they do and working together to create this busy, happy home. I am so proud of every one of them.”

Gateford Hill was named Care Home of the Year following a rigorous selection process, which saw the panel of judges visit all four shortlisted homes to meet with the lifestyle teams, care teams, managers and other staff, spending time in each home and speaking to those living there.

The 66-bed nursing and residential home is situated within a grand grade II listed building set in 30 acres of grounds including two acres of landscaped gardens. It has established a strong reputation locally for first-class care and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Among the wealth of activities on offer are weekly stay-and-play sessions for pre-schoolers, regular visits from local school children and the Beavers group, themed movie nights, a baking club, Just Bowls tournaments, and lots of walks through the lovely grounds.

Clinch added: “Those living here are at the heart of everything we do, and it is our mission is to create an environment where they enjoy happy, fulfilling lives chock-full of great experiences, positive relationships, kindness and fun.

“Getting it right for them is the most rewarding thing for us – and this award feels like a recognition of that. That’s why we’re all so thrilled to have won it!”

Maria Mallaband Care Group & Countrywide Care Awards were first launched in 2014, giving the MMCG family a chance to shine a light on the incredible work that takes place all year, and celebrate and thank some of the special people who make a difference.

Winners in 13 different categories, including ‘Inspiring Nurse of the Year’, ‘MMCG Master Chef’ and ‘Manager of the Year’ were announced at the recent glittering awards night at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

Susan Jones, Head Judge and Chief People Officer at Maria Mallaband Care Group, said: “Huge congratulations to the team at Gateford Hill Care Home and to all our worthy winners who go above and beyond to make sure the care we offer is the best it can be.

“The judges were impressed by the sunny atmosphere and the obvious warmth of the relationships between everyone living and working at Gateford Hill. The environment they have created exemplifies everything a great care home should be, and we are delighted to see them celebrated with this award.”