Brandon Park News | Stow Healthcare

Visitor Protocol during COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On March 5, 2021

Information updated – 5th March 2021 Stow Healthcare has welcomed visitors to its care homes again since Monday 27 July, following guidance set out by the government and taking into account sector-led recommendations put in place by the Care Provider Alliance. This Visitor Protocol provides some specific information to visitors to our homes and sits […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On July 2, 2020

All Stow Healthcare homes welcome new admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we will be happy to help answer any questions you may have when making this decision for yourself or your loved one. You will be pleased to know that we are working very closely with hospitals, healthcare professionals, local authorities, and prospective residents […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 22, 2020

Stow Healthcare understands the role it has to play in the current Coronavirus pandemic. We are open to admissions across all of our homes to support frail and vulnerable people who need nursing or residential care, whether coming from their own home or a hospital setting. You will appreciate the need for us to take […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

Stow Healthcare Group employee Alex Ball was the proud recipient of the Bury Free Press Employee of the Year Award at a ceremony held at the Apex, Bury St Edmunds in October. Alex is a true unsung hero of our company, supporting every home behind the scenes and working hard every day to help them […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

Ford Place has had a fantastic awards season. Not only has it been shortlisted twice in successive years in the Care Home of the Year category for the National Care Awards, but it also reached the national shortlist for the End of Life Category in the Caring UK awards. To have reached national finals in […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

Stow Healthcare triumphed at two national care awards in late autumn, scooping the Care Group of the Year accolade at both the National Care Awards and the Caring UK Awards. Winners of the National Care Awards were presented with their trophies by host Simon Brodkin at the high-profile Gala Night held on Friday, 29th November […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

The successes kept on coming in autumn 2019 as Melford Court, Halstead Hall, Ford Place and Stowlangtoft Hall all saw staff shortlisted as finalists in the East of England GB Care Awards finals. It was great to see so many Stow Healthcare staff cheering each other on as they enjoyed a night of success in […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

In late autumn, the Directors of Stow Healthcare, and Brandon’s home manager Sam Gallagher were honoured to attend the Leaders in Care Awards hosted in Birmingham to celebrate the cream of the care industry. Stow Healthcare was shortlisted in the Care Group of the Year category, and Sam Gallagher was shortlisted in the Registered Manager […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

We have really been enjoying the regular meet up at Brandon Park where local childminders catch up over coffee and cake and share some fun with our residents. You might have enjoyed watching the popular TV series ‘Old people’s Home for 4 Year Olds’, which showed just how important inter-generationla contact is for well-being of […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

As usual, our Christmas preparations at Brandon Park were full of craft and cooking and our activities room was busy! Residents handmade decorations for the tree, which was also part of the public vote on social media for the company’s Stow in the Snow competition. The marzipan decorations went down particularly well, and residents also […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

We are delighted to inform you that carer Sophie Gardiner has been formally appointed into the role of Activities Coordinator at Brandon Park. Sophie is an experienced carer, and knows our residents and the home well. Sophie will work with Joanna to create a fun and stimulating activities programme for our residents. This year we […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 17, 2020

Here at Brandon Park we were delighted to received a hugely generous donation from a former resident’s family to support us to buy a very special Interactive Table, which is bringing huge excitement to the residents at the home. If anyone hasn’t yet seen it in action, please do pop into the activities room to […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 13, 2020

We are delighted to announce that Helen Hill, RN has joined our company in January as the new Head of Care and Compliance. Helen has worked across a range of corporate and family run social care providers and is currently working with the University of East Anglia on two very exciting medicines management research projects. […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 14, 2019

It has been lovely this summer to see some of the great sights we have on our doorstep. Brandon Country Park has so much to offer. This summer the Country Park hosted an Alice in Wonderland theatre event, which we enjoyed supporting by making Alice in Wonderland themed crafts. Brandon Country Park has also hosted […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 14, 2019

Wow, what a busy summer it has been! This is just a taster of what we have been up to…! We hosted a really special Summer Fair in August – thank you so much to everyone who supported us! We raised over £200 for the residents’ activities fund. We also had some very memorable experiences […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 14, 2019

We are really happy to announce that again Stow Healthcare has punched well above its weight as a small company to have been awarded a significant number of finalist places in national care awards to be judged over the course of this autumn and winter. Stow Healthcare Group has been selected as a national finalist […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 14, 2019

The second annual floral and craft extravaganza that is Stow in Bloom took place in July, with judges bowled over by the standard of entries. We were delighted to welcome back judges Pam and Bob Jackson from Woolpit Nurseries and Julie Martin and Georgie Stevens from the Suffolk County Council Aduly Community Services, who enjoyed […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 15, 2019

It has been great to have some younger visitors popping in to see us recently. Care Home Assistant Practitioner Kayleigh pops in often with baby Ronnie, much to the delight of our residents. Kayleigh said of her baby: “Ronnie is approaching 5 months now – he sleeps amazingly well overnight and loves his milk. He […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 15, 2019

Resident Grace has been one of a number of residents benefitting from the input of two student physios from the University of East Anglia at our home in recent weeks. Grace told us how much progress the students have helped her make, increasing her ability to walk and be indepedent. Grace said of their exercises: […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 15, 2019

Gwen Dodds, one of our residents, feeds the birds and ducks every day; a few weeks ago when out feeding the birds she found an abandoned duck egg. Worried about the egg, Gwen bought it into the home and spoke to carer Helen about what could be done to try and save the baby duck. […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 15, 2019

In the garden, you will see we have been working on the re-seeding of the lawn after the dry spell last year left it in a terrible state. The first area has been reseeded and looks so lovely, we have decided to re-seed more of the lawn to give us a lovely outlook. Please help […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 30, 2019

Stow Healthcare’s award success continued in March at the Great British Care Awards with three finalists from across the company after they won their categories at the regional finals in November. Ford Place’s Denise Phipps was a finalist in the End of Life/ Palliative Care category as was Grace Watson of Melford Court in the […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

Congratulations to all of our staff who were nominated and received awards and finalist places last year. We are extremely proud of all of you! Laing Buisson National Awards 2018 • Winner- Residential Care Provider – Stow Healthcare Bury Free Press Business Awards 2018 • Winner- Business Leader of the Year, Ruth French, Stow Healthcare […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

There was a special Christmas Present for staff and residents at Halstead Hall as it was rated ‘Good’ by CQC in their inspection report published on Christmas Eve. Inspectors noted the significant change” seen under the new ownership in the last 12 months as the home was rated Good overall and outstanding in the ‘Well […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

They say that things come in threes, and that certainly was the case when we received the fabulous news that Stowlangtoft Hall had been rated ‘Outstanding’ by CQC after their inspection in October 2018. Inspectors rated the areas ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’ as Outstanding, resulting in an overall ‘Outstanding rating.’ The inspectors said in their report: […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

Staff and residents of Brandon Park Nursing Home are jumping for joy after CQC visited the home and gave it it’s second ‘Outstanding’ rating. Following the CQC’s unannounced visit in September, the inspectors said in their report: “There was an exceptionally strong family ethos within the home of treating people as individuals and with respect. […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

We are thrilled to announce that Stow Healthcare was named Residential Care Provider of the Year at one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, the LaingBuisson Awards 2018. More than 1,000 people were present at the glittering awards ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge which celebrated the best in health and social […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

Following the success of our summer competition ‘Stow in Bloom’, we launched our very first winter competition ‘Stow in the Snow’ to get everyone into the festive spirit. This competition was designed to provide meaningful Christmas activities within the homes and engage staff, residents and their families all together at this special time of year. […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

Brandon Park held a celebratory reception on Friday 18th January to celebrate its second ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after it’s inspection in September. Guests included staff, residents, representative GPs from local surgeries and other local businesses. Brandon Park’s local MP and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the Rt […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 21, 2019

This January we were delighted to see our Deputy Manager Gordon Jamieson, himself a proud Scotsman to help us celebrate the birthday of the Scottish poet Robbie Burns with a special meal of haggis, neeps and tatties. Gordon addressed the haggis in the traditional Burns’ Night poem kitted out in his full Highland dress and […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 31, 2018

We are delighted to report that Melford Court has been rated ‘as good overall and also good in all five categories by CQC following their May inspection. The inspectors said they found: “a welcoming, open and uplifting culture at the home.” as well as commenting that “the entire staff team worked cohesively together.” We are […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 31, 2018

This summer we have been encouraging residents to get creative in the garden with the launch of our inaugural ‘Stow in Bloom’ competition, to engage residents, families, staff and volunteers to contribute to the effort to find ‘Best in Stow’! Gardening has a tremendous impact on wellbeing and we are delighted that our residents and […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 31, 2018

Saturday 21st July saw the return of the popular Brandon Park Nursing Home ‘Summer Fete’ for staff, residents and their families. The day was packed full of fun for all the family with face painting, live music from the ever-popular Jackie Raven and outdoor games enjoyed by children… and residents!! A highlight was the residents […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 31, 2018

We have had a new addition to the team Brandon Park in July. Many of you have already met Kenco our new parrot. Kenco is a blue throated conure and at just 4 and half months old he is just a baby and a real cheeky chappy! He loves all his new toys but especially […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 31, 2018

There are so many heroes at Brandon Park and we wanted to give people the opportunity to recognise someone who has helped you, or done something special for you. We have launched a new ‘Heroes Board’ at Brandon Park which is is located outside the kitchen with lots of blank hearts and instructions on how […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

We are very pleased to announce that Stow Healthcare has expanded its premium care brand into Essex with the acquisition of Attwood’s Manor care home in Halstead. The home is an elegant 19th Century country manor house that retains many of its original features and is located on the edge of the historic north Essex […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

We are really excited to announce the inaugural Stow in Bloom competition! Residents and others across out five homes have suggested ideas for categories, which include Best Hanging Basket, Tallest Sunflower and Best Edible display, as well as opportunities to create a craft or miniature garden! Judging will take place in the week starting 23 […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

Our residents have been busy competing in the inaugural Suffolk Care Home Olympics! With competitions in fishing, boccia and curling, and specialist coaching from Elatus Sports, residents have been competing against 10 other local homes, including our sister homes at Stowlangtoft Hall and Melford Court. This has been a great experience for residents and we […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

We are delighted to report that our sister home Ford Place has been awarded the coveted ‘Outstanding’ rating by CQC following an unannounced inspection in November. The inspectors said in their report: “We observed kind, compassionate staff spending time with people and their families to ensure peoples’ well-being and offering support around their individual needs.” […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

Our Activities team have really outdone themselves this Valentine’s Day to make the dreary month of February a whole lot more fun! Not only have they supported great craft projects like the 3D heart that you can see resident Eddie working on opposite, but they also helped staff, residents and families to remember people who […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

We are thrilled to announce that as a company, Stow Healthcare has been named Care Employer of the Year at the inaugural Caring UK awards held in York in December. This is Stow Healthcare’s 1st company award and an achievement which we are hugely proud of. Brandon Park had its own success at these awards […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On June 20, 2018

There have been exciting changes in our leadership team in recent months, with Sam Gallagher (formerly Cutts) being promoted from her Deputy Manager role in December. Since taking over the role of Manager, Sam has been doing a fantastic job of continuing to drive up standards at Brandon Park. Sam was joined in June by […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

Fri 16th June- ‘Care Home Open Day’ (An afternoon tea party) Sat 29th July- Brandon Park’s Annual Summer Fete – come and join the fun – more details to follow

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

Easter has been particularly busy for us with lots of activities to bring residents, families and staff together over the Easter bank holiday weekend. We started off on Good Friday with ‘Posh Hat and Frocks”. The Ladies donned their best frocks and decorated their own Easter hats at the morning craft session. This was followed […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

As many of you know, Sarah has left the activities department to return to work as part of the care team. Frances has since done a wonderful job taking over as activities coordinator with a fresh pair of eyes and new ideas. Frances has worked in the care sector for 30 years and has previously […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

Friday 31st March saw the Great British Care Award Final with Nurse Maureen Tilbrook from Stowlangtoft Hall reaching the final 6 in the country in the good nurse category, which is an outstanding achievement. The awards were hosted at the ICC in Birmingham where Maureen went along supported by her family and colleagues to a […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

Dementia UK’s ‘Time for a Cuppa’ takes place between 1st – 8th March every year and was set up so that people could make ‘Time for a Cuppa’ with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues whilst helping to raise money to provide more Admiral Nurses for people facing dementia. On the 3rd March Brandon Park hosted […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On April 21, 2017

Spring has well and truly sprung and the warmer weather and the longer days means there is lots to look forward to in the coming months. Since the start of the year the activities schedule has been renewed to make it more resident-orientated. A new activities schedule has been put together by residents, for residents […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On February 6, 2017

We are thrilled to announce that Melford Court Nursing Home in Long Melford has been acquired by Stowlangtoft Healthcare. Melford Court, a beautiful grade II listed building, is a popular local home located at the centre of the historic wool town of Long Melford. We are very much looking forward to getting to know our […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On December 8, 2016

Stowlangtoft Healthcare is celebrating after having seen two of its staff win accolades at the 2016 National Care Awards in London. Sam Cutts, Deputy Manager at Brandon Park Nursing Home was awarded the title of Best Registered Nurse in the UK, beating off stiff competition from four other finalists. The judges said that Sam was […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

We are really pleased that Jo Ewen is now looking after our residents’ hair at Brandon Park and is proving very popular with the residents. She offers a very good service each Tuesday and will often come back on a Wednesday if the diary is very full. If you haven’t met Jo before, she will […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

This year we have been very proud again to support the MacMillan coffee morning at both our homes. We had some amazing treats baked that were enjoyed by residents, visitors and staff and were able to raise some money for this worthwhile charity. Thank you to everyone who took time and trouble to get baking […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

We are very pleased to announce the recent wedding of Jan Harman to her lovely husband Ian in August. Jan and Ian enjoyed a deliberately low key wedding and are now enjoying married life together. Jan’s married name is Gibbs and she will be starting to use her married name at work in the coming […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

We would like to congratulate husband and wife staff members Joanna Silarska and Adam Silarski on the birth of their son Daniel who was born in September. Daniel has already been in to visit residents! With Joanna enjoying her maternity leave with her newborn son, carers Frazer and Sarah are doing a wonderful job of […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

Following the success of the shop opening at Stowlangtoft Hall this summer we are delighted to announce the opening of our new shop at Brandon Park. We have bought a beautiful handmade wooden cart that is fully stocked with old fashioned sweet and treats, toiletries, greeting cards and stamps. To begin with, the shop will […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

Stowlangtoft Healthcare is delighted to announce that we have a bumper year of shortlistings in the National Care Awards and the Great British Care Awards, both prestigious national care competitions. Our appeal for residents, families and staff to nominate colleagues who they felt went the extra mile saw many quality candidates suggested at our homes […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

2016 Suffolk Care Awards: Stowlangtoft Healthcare homes celebrated a wonderful night at Kesgrave Hall in September, seeing their teams receive ‘Highly Commended’ awards in three categories. Brandon Park was lauded for its work in ‘Dignity and Respect’ and Stowlangtoft Hall did very well to be selected as a finalist in both the End of Life […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On October 24, 2016

We are thrilled to announce that Ford Place Nursing Home in Thetford has been acquired by Stowlangtoft Healthcare. Ford Place, a beautiful grade II listed home on the outskirts of Thetford, is a popular local home with a Good CQC rating and is set in lovely grounds with a walled garden and riverside position. We […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On August 26, 2016

Don’t forget that our annual MacMillan Coffee Morning will take place on Friday 30th September. Last year’s coffee morning was a fantastic success with lots of visitors and lots of cake consumed, so please do join us again this year. If you are able to bake any contributions, please let Emma our Home Administrator know!

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On August 26, 2016

Stowlangtoft Healthcare homes have succeeded in securing 15% of the shortlisted entries for the whole county in the inaugural Suffolk Care Awards. The awards, put in place to highlight the fantastic care provided in care homes and in people’s homes across the county are currently going through the judging process. Both Stowlangtoft Hall and Brandon […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On August 26, 2016

Those visiting the building recently will have seen the scaffolding dominating the north side of the home. We are currently completely redecorating the external walls of the home, which in some places has required extensive work to ensure the render meets our high standards. It will take some weeks for the whole building to be […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On August 26, 2016

Following the successful introduction of a new sweet shop ‘Sweet Retreat’ at Stowlangtoft Hall in June, we are now planning on rolling this out to Brandon Park this autumn. The shop will provide the opportunity for residents and their families as well as staff to make purchases. The shop will likely stock old fashioned boiled […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On August 26, 2016

This year we hosted our first Summer Fete at Brandon Park, supporting Help the Heroes. With live music, a petting zoo, bouncy castle and stalls, we had a beautiful sunny day for our event and were pleased to be able to share it with residents and families. A new photo display will shortly be appearing […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 2, 2016

On Friday 8 July we will be hosting a special party at Brandon Park with music, food and lots of fun. It will be two years since Stowlangtoft Healthcare took over Brandon Park and we will also be combining it with HM Queen’s 90th birthday so do come along – more details to follow!!

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 2, 2016

This year’s annual surveys are now being sent to residents, families and staff. We are encouraging electronic responses, but paper copies will be available for all residents and any families or staff who require them. Please just ask at reception where we will be happy to help. Emails will be sent out with a link […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 2, 2016

This summer will see the final phase of the huge renovation project at Brandon Park as we tackle the weathered paint and plasterwork of the outside of the building. By summer we expect to have a glorious new facade with sparkling paintwork and a welcoming entrance to our Home, which now looks to lovely and […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 2, 2016

Many of you will have been aware that on Monday 11 January 2016 we were inspected by the Care Quality Commission, which is the body that regulates the activities that we provide at Brandon Park. We are delighted to announce that Brandon Park has been rated as a ‘Good’ home overall. This is a huge […]

Posted by Roger Catchpole
On May 2, 2016

As ever, our activities have been going at full pace at Brandon. We have recently acquired a beautiful model railway set, which will be part of a longer term therapeutic project for residents. If you know anyone who can help or who loves railways, do ask them to speak to Joanna. We will have local […]