Throughout 2014 the Hospitality team introduced the ’10 Key Points of Service’ and the Dignity in Dining Competition that was open to all HC-One homes across the UK. All of the work that the team put into these projects was completed and carried out to the highest of standards thanks to the motivation of the end result, an enjoyable dining experience for each Resident, at every mealtime filled with dignity, support, choice and top-notch service. Recently reaping the benefits of providing such a service was the team at Falstone Court and Manor Care Home, in Sunderland, who won the Dignity in Dining Competition. The Judges of the competition were hugely impressed with the efforts and achievements of the team, so much so the team received the grand prize of a meal served by the Senior Management team and colleagues from the Darlington Support Office.

The Hospitality team soon got to work transforming Falstone Court and Manor’s car park with a grand marque fabulously lit up by chandeliers and decorated with beautiful table decorations and balloons for that added ‘party’ touch. Around 80 colleagues from the team at Falstone Court and Manor were dressed to the nines in their finest and enjoyed a three course meal…

Providing the service for the evening was Tony Clark, Hospitality Specialist and his team of Support colleagues including Sarah Findlay, Nadia Humphrey, Sharon Pearson, Tracey Kerr, Kirsty Nevison, David McCluskey, Jon Lightly, Hannah Harris, Gordon Asher, Paul Tennick and Lara McGuigan. The Senior Management team including Dr Chai Patel, Liz Whyte, Margaret Roe and Alison InnesFarquhar, wasted no time in jumping straight in to serve up a delicious dining experience for the team. Food flowed and smiles all round, it was soon time for the Senior Management team and the Support colleagues to clear away the tables, top up the glasses as Chai took to the stage for his speech. Showing just how close the HC-One values are to his heart, he thanked every colleague across the country who does their bit in making sure Residents receive the perfect dining experience, both within the competition and outside of it. He then thanked the team at Falstone court and Manor for proving that going the extra mile certainly pays off.

Finally he thanked the Support colleagues for their help throughout the evening and the Hospitality team, especially, Tracy Sutherland, Mark Meacham, and Tony Clark for organising the competition, initiative and event. Speaking about the evening, Tracy said; “We are all working hard to ensure Residents enjoy the best quality of life. We all share the values that mean we are committed to doing our best. It was great that we were able to give back and throw a party for those at Falstone for delivering care and implementing policies and procedures. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this night happen and also for the wider support throughout.” Our fantastic suppliers, e-foods, helped throughout the evening with the preparation of the food, providing great service, the entertainment and supplying the food that was served. E-foods Managing Director, Paul Mizen proudly attended the event, he said; “On behalf of myself and e foods, I would like to thank HC-One for allowing my team to help out at the event, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and all of the preparations beforehand. Speaking with colleagues at Falstone Court and Manor throughout the night, the feedback from them was very positive and they really appreciated all of the effort the HC-One team put into looking after them. It really does make a difference.” The team at Falstone Court and Manor, was presented the award for winning the Dignity in Dining Competition 2014, followed by an Elvis impersonator who really got the party started! Well done to everyone involved in making such an enjoyable night happen and of course to everyone who works tirelessly to make sure that Residents thoroughly enjoy their mealtime experiences!