Mark Bird Shortlisted as Finalist in Great British Care Awards London
It’s clear as soon as you walk into Birchwood Grange Care Home in Harrow, with its colourful decorations and homely atmosphere, that it is no ordinary care home. Led by Manager Mark Bird, the home’s strength is its diversity, creativity and strong local community and it is Mark’s approach that has led the home to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ in care in their latest CQC inspection. However, the awards don’t stop there! This year, Mark’s inspirational leadership has resulted in him being shortlisted as a finalist in the Great British Care Awards 2018 in London for The Care Home Registered Manager Award.
Mark has consistently shown that he has exceptional skills in managing the complex business of running a care home. He has remarkable expertise in nursing and competency in supporting his staff. However, what makes Mark truly distinguished is his ability to do it all with a smile and in good cheer.
With over 1500 homes in the London region, there was some tough competition for the Great British Care Awards this year. However, after the Birchwood Grange team nominated Mark Bird (as a surprise), he blew away the competition and has been shortlisted into the top five candidates in the Greater London area.
Mark attended an interview on Thursday 11th October at the London Marion Hilton, where he had to answer some set questions on his vision and why he deserved to win (plus have a few photos taken).
Mark was very humble about being nominated, saying “I would never have imagined growing up I could make this much of a difference”.
Mark was the first male matron in England and Scotland and has been Home Manager at Birchwood Grange for four years. He was recently voted by 40 other care homes in the London North-West Care Home Forum to represent the borough as Chairperson at the Enhanced Care Steering Group, which is commissioned for NHS England. Mark also sits on the board of the Brent Council, acting on behalf of his fellow local care homes and presents on the issues and solutions that they are currently facing. He is an inspiration, as he also supports and mentors other care home managers in the London North-West.
The glittering award ceremony will take place on Saturday 10th November. Good luck Mark – we have our fingers crossed!
