Meridian Healthcare celebrated at the 2005 Care Awards when staff scooped top awards at the Care Awards in London.

Meridian’s M.D is crowned Entrepreneur of the Year 2005

Alan Firth, Managing Director of Meridian Healthcare was selected as Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 at the Care Awards. He was recognised at the recent gala dinner at the Hilton London Metropole. Firth was selected from a number of finalists in the UK care sector by an independent panel of judges.

Firth has achieved organic and acquisitive growth for Meridian Healthcare and currently owns and operates 22 care centres across the North of England. Judges recognised the hard work and skill taken to create the successful and award winning Meridian Healthcare in a relatively short period of time. Meridian has blossomed from a struggling business with 500 beds into a highly successful business that achieves excellence and superb quality services across 22 care centres.

White Rose House Manager scoops Marketer of the Year 2005

Joanne Hempstock, Care Centre Manager was awarded Marketer of the Year at the recent Care Awards in recognition of her achievements at White Rose House in Holmfirth. Joanne took up post as Manager in January 2005 with little experience of marketing a home and has quickly grasped what is needed to build up and maintain a good reputation with healthcare colleagues and the local community.

Judges commented upon her strong communication skills and understanding of the importance of the local community, relatives and healthcare professionals in the support of White Rose House.

White Rose House was built in 2004 for both nursing and residential clients. It sits in the picturesque Holmfirth Valley and won the prestigious Pinders /Caring Business ‘Best New Development for Elderly Care’ Award in March 2005. White Rose House impressed the judges with its attention to detail and how the design and specification met the needs and desires of its client group.

Yew Trees Manager shortlisted for Special Needs Manager

Care Centre Manager Susan Chadwick from Yew Trees in Dukinfield was shortlisted for Special Needs Manager. Susan makes a real difference to those in her care. Under her management the Care Centre has introduced a much enhanced programme of activities for those with dementia which has helped all who live at Yew Trees.

The double Care Awards success means that the Meridian Healthcare team has won four awards in the last 12 months. In addition to the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards, Alan Firth recently picked up the M.E.N Business of the Year Award (£10-£25m turnover category). The M.E.N Awards reflect excellence throughout the business, including employee motivation, quality measures and strength of management. Judges were particularly impressed by the company ethos and determination to provide extremely high quality services and facilities.

Related stories in the press [the following links are on external web sites]:
> MEN Announces winners
> Meridian is taking care

About the Care Awards
The Care Awards run by Caring Times is now in its seventh year and is designed to promote excellence right across the spectrum of care and appeal to a wide range of individuals and organisations.

More than 900 people came together in London on 26th November to celebrate excellence throughout the long term care sector at the Care Awards gala ceremony hosted by Rhona Cameron.

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For further information please contact:
Tessa Matthews, Meridian Healthcare, 0161 368 9099 tmatthews@meridiancare.co.uk