Top award for centre

Assistant manager of Manor Day Centre, Melvyn Purdy said: “We’re delighted to have won the award. It’s the third year in a row we’ve won it.

“We’re very proud of the achievement which comes down to the staff and service users who put a tremendous effort in.”

Health Minister Edwin Poots also congratulated staff and service users at the day centre for winning the award which was sponsored by Supervalu.

The Minister was attending the presentation of the 2012 SuperValu Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards recently, when he praised the winners for their commitment to the health and well-being of service users and staff. The prestigious awards are organised annually by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and sponsored by independent retail group SuperValu, recognising facilities that are maintained to the highest environmental standard.

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

Winners were judged in three categories - Best Kept Day Care Facilities, Best Kept Residential Facilities and Best Kept Health care Facilities. NIAC judges inspected facilities for general tidiness, cleanliness and environmental enhancement.

Minister Poots said: “I would like to congratulate all of the winners in this year’s SuperValu Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards, and applaud them for putting so much effort into maintaining and improving their indoor and outdoor spaces. The 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. A well-cared for environment makes a real difference to the well-being of service users, which is so important in a health and social care setting.”

Doreen Muskett MBE, Chairman of NIAC also praised the winners. She said: “The SuperValu Best Kept Awards were established to encourage Northern Ireland’s health and social care facilities to enhance their premises for everyone who uses them. We would like to add our congratulations to the Minister’s and commend Manor Day Centre and all of the winning facilities on their success.”

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.

SuperValu Customer Manager Connor McCann added: “SuperValu and its independent retailers are proud to support the Best Kept Awards, because of the important role they play in helping to improve our built and natural environment. The winning health and social care facilities in the Southern Trust region have demonstrated an outstanding pride of place and a real dedication to the people who use their services.”