Care home manager celebrates 20 years of dedicated service

Alison Donaldson, who leads Barchester Healthcare’s North West and Midlands Division, was celebrated for two decades of dedication at a champagne reception held at Southerndown Care Home in Chipping Norton.

The event included a long service award and cake, presented by Barchester’s chief operating officer, Natasha Lazovic.

Ms Donaldson began her career at Barchester in January 2006 as general manager of Newlands Care Centre in Cumbria.

She went on to lead Lanercost Care Home in Carlisle and steadily rose through the ranks to become managing director.

She now oversees 68 care homes across the North West and Midlands.

Ms Donaldson said: “I can’t quite believe I have been with Barchester for 20 years.

“It really doesn’t feel that long at all but I know that it is because of the culture of the business, the invaluable support from the knowledge and experience of colleagues and the fact that we always put our residents first, that I’ve stayed for this length of time.

“We always provide the best possible care to our wonderful residents and the best training to our staff.”

Barchester’s COO, Natasha Lazovic, praised Ms Donaldson’s service.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of Alison’s achievements and her dedication to the business, she is always striving to improve her homes and to ensure her residents continue to receive the best possible care.”

Southerndown Care Home provides residential, nursing and specialist dementia care.