Now one of the largest care providers in the UK, Barchester Healthcare is celebrating 25 years since it was founded and works began to transform a derelict, 17th Century listed farmhouse into the first ever Barchester home.
When entrepreneur Mike Parsons purchased Morton Hill in the Cotswolds in 1992, his aim was to start a care home provider capable of delivering high quality care in luxurious surroundings.
25 years on, Barchester runs 201 care homes across the UK and seven independent hospitals.
Celebrations for the anniversary will take place in Barchester homes and hospitals across the UK during October. From tea parties to live music sessions, staff and residents are planning a range of events and hope to welcome others from the community to celebrate with them.
To mark the milestone, all staff who have worked at a Barchester-run home for 25 years will receive a gift. Four of these individuals will receive further recognition in the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category at this year’s Barchester Care Awards, an awards ceremony for staff and volunteers held on 18 October.
Barchester’s chief executive, Dr Pete Calveley, says: “Barchester has grown rapidly over the last 25 years and is now one of the UK’s leading care home providers in terms of both size and quality ratings.
"The values set out in those earlier days, remain at the heart of this organisation and we continue to work hard to achieve high standards in every aspect of the care we deliver and to promote independence, dignity and choice for the individuals living in our homes and hospitals.
"Our 25th anniversary is a great opportunity for everyone who is a part of Barchester today to celebrate their contribution to its continued development. It’s also a fine excuse for a party, which is something Barchester staff and residents know how to do very well!”
