The dynamic team, led by Home Manager Georgeana Tarabuta, has not only demonstrated exceptional dedication to quality care but has also successfully turned the tide for the facility.

The Independent Care Awards run by the Independent Health & Care Providers (IHCP) was hosted by UTVs Paul Clark on 30^th November 2023 at The Titanic Building, Belfast. It seeks to recognise individuals and companies who have achieved excellence in health and social care within the independent sector in Northern Ireland.

Abbey View Care Home, previously facing closure due to serious concerns raised from an RQIA report, underwent a transformative journey under MD Healthcare’s leadership having been taken over in August 2022. The commendable efforts of the care team at Abbey View were recognised by the IHCP awards judges, who selected the facility as the winner of the Care Team of the Year for Nursing award.

The journey began with the facility undergoing extensive renovations, resulting in an exceptional RQIA report. The report highlighted the commitment of the care team to uphold the highest standards of care, marking a remarkable turnaround for Abbey View Care Home.

In the following months, the reopening ceremony was graced by the presence of Ards and North Down Mayor, Karen Douglas, who attended the event and played a significant role in commemorating the occasion. Mayor Douglas unveiled a plaque, acknowledging the impressive transformation of Abbey View, and extended her best wishes for MD Healthcare’s continued success in the future.

During the reopening event, Mayor Douglas took a tour of the home, engaging with residents and staff at Abbey View. Her presence not only celebrated the refurbished care home but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in healthcare initiatives.

Mr. John Paul Watson, Group Managing Director of MD Healthcare, expressed his delight at having Mayor Karen Douglas reopen Abbey View Care Home after a period of extensive renovation. He emphasised the substantial investments made by MD Healthcare in raising the standards of the home, thanking both residents and staff for their unwavering support during this transformative period.

“We are delighted to have Ards and North Down Mayor, Karen Douglas, reopen Abbey View Care Home after a period of renovation. MD Healthcare have invested significantly in the home, and we are pleased with the progress over the last few months. We thank the residents and staff for their support during this time and look forward to a prosperous future serving our residents in Bangor,” commented Mr. Watson.

One of the standout initiatives that showcased the team’s innovation was the establishment of a step-down bed partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust launching in September 2022. This initiative not only underscored their dedication to quality care but also played a crucial role in alleviating the burden on local hospitals.

The step-down bed partnership helps free up much-needed hospital beds providing a safe and effective reablement care service to patients discharged from the hospital. This collaborative effort between Abbey View Care Home and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has proven to be a win-win solution for both parties and, most importantly, for the community they serve.

The success of this initiative was reflected in the heartwarming feedback received from a resident’s family member. The sentiment expressed was shared by many in the community: “If I ever need care in a care home, I want to come to Abbey View.” Such testimonials speak volumes about the positive impact the care team has had on the lives of those they serve.

Georgeana Tarabuta, the Home Manager, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the collective effort that made this achievement possible. “This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and compassion of every member of the Abbey View Care Home team. It is an honour to be recognised as the ‘Care Team of the Year,’ and we are committed to continuing our mission of providing the highest quality care to our residents.”

MD Healthcare, under whose guidance Abbey View Care Home thrived, also expressed pride in the accomplishment. The success story of Abbey View Care Home serves as an inspiration for other healthcare facilities facing challenges, highlighting the positive outcomes that can be achieved through strategic leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

The Independent Care Awards, known for recognising outstanding achievements in the healthcare industry, has further solidified Abbey View Care Home’s reputation as a beacon of excellence in the field of care. The “Care Team of the Year” award is a well-deserved recognition of the tireless efforts and unwavering commitment of the care team at Abbey View.

Abbey View Care Home looks forward to building on this success, continually improving its services, and setting new benchmarks for excellence in the field of healthcare. The award not only acknowledges past accomplishments but also serves as a catalyst for the team’s ongoing pursuit of providing compassionate and high-quality care to those in need.