Dromore nursing home claims runner-up spot

The results were announced at a recent ceremony at Clady Villa, Knockbracken Health Park, with a winner and runner-up chosen in each health trust area in three categories - Best Kept Residential, Best Kept Daycare and Best Kept Healthcare Facility.

Having faced stiff competition to earn a place in the final, Mountvale was named runner-up to Gillis Memory Centre at St Luke’s in Armagh in the Best Kept Residential Facility category.

Run by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, the prestigious competition attracted almost 100 entries.

A panel of judges inspected each facility for general tidiness, cleanliness and evidence of environmental improvements.

NIAC Chair, Doreen Muskett, said: “I must congratulate all of our finalists for their superb environmental efforts.

“I am delighted to say that we received quite a number of new entries this year, with some of these taking home awards.

“The standard was incredibly high so each and every one of our finalists should be very proud of their achievements.

“Their enthusiasm is inspiring and it creates benefits on so many levels.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that an aesthetically pleasing environment can have a huge impact on the health and well being of residents and visitors alike; it really lifts the spirits.”

Speaking at the event, Stormont Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to all the finalists in this year’s Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards.

“They are to be commended for their commitment to the enhancement of indoor and outdoor environments.

“A well-cared for environment makes a real difference to the wellbeing of service users, which is so important in a health and social care setting.

“These awards highlight the hard work of Health and Social Care teams, along with their clients, as it is very often a joint effort, and their commitment to making the very best of their shared surroundings.”