Minister praises Gillaroo Lodge on best kept win

Gillaroo Lodge Nursing Home on The Roddens won in the residential category in the Northern Health Trust region.

Minister Edwin Poots was attending the presentation of the 2013 Best Kept Health and Social Care facility awards when he praised the winners for their commitment to the health and well-being of service users and staff. The prestigious awards, organised annually by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC), recognise facilities that are maintained to the highest environmental standard.

Almost 100 health and social care premises across Northern Ireland entered the scheme this year and NIAC judges have been visiting the facilities since June to find the best kept medical practices, daycare centres, clinics and residential homes.

The Minister said; “The awards acknowledge the dedication of health and social care teams, along with their clients, and their joint efforts in creating outstanding spaces they can be proud of.”

Liz Rowan, director of Gillaroo Lodge said: ‘We were delighted to win our category this year. We were runners up last year, our first year of entry, and had set ourselves a target of winning this year.

“We had worked hard at creating spaces outside which residents and relatives can enjoy, and special mention was given to our sensory garden and our vegetable patch’ which is tended by one of our residents. We had the added benefit this year of enjoying some of the produce from the vegetable patch - that was very rewarding too.”

All winners receive a personalized sign, a perpetual trophy and a monetary award towards future projects. Runners up receive a special framed certificate and a monetary prize.

For more information on the Best Kept Awards contact NIAC on 9040 3681 or visit www.niacbestkept.com