A LUDLOW care home team has been recognised with a top award.

Staff at Barchester Healthcare's Hagley Place in Ludlow have just been awarded the company's Team of the Year title for the Shropshire and Wales division.

The award puts the team among the top five nominated for the company's National Team of the Year title, fighting off competition from more than 200 other homes.

Hayley Simmonds, general manager at Hagley Place, said: "The hard work and commitment of staff are clear to all of our residents and their families.

"We work towards a whole-home approach, each team member is as important as each other, and this award recognises all of their efforts.

"I couldn't be prouder of them, and I'm so grateful for the dedication they show."

A Barchester Healthcare spokesperson said that many of the residents at Hagley Place have lived there for years and "couldn't be happier with the care they receive", while family members also speak highly of the home.

Kim Beattie, whose mum lives at the Ludlow home, said: "Everyone goes above and beyond to provide an amazing level of care for my mum. The whole home feels like an extension of our family."

A spokesperson for the Hagley Place team said they are honoured to have received the award and are hopeful for the national awards, which will be held on October 11.

Hagley Place is also holding their own in-house awards evenings on October 13 and 20 at the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, to say a huge thank you to colleagues for the efforts put in over the Covid pandemic.

Care practitioner Helen Skinsley said she believes the home offers the best level of care and would invite anyone seeking help to come and speak with the team at their next open day from 10am to 4pm on August 19. 

"It's like an extended family," she said.

"It doesn't feel like coming to work. The home and the residents become part of you and live in your heart."