Care home chef has a taste for victory in national awards

A dedicated care home chef who first started work as a schoolgirl is in the running for a top industry award

Lorna Parsons, our Chef is a finalist in the Chef of the Year category of the prestigious National Care Awards 2022.

Lorna, 39, began working for Colten Care in 1998, aged 14 as a part-time waitress.

In 2002 she became the company’s first apprentice chef, embarking on five years at catering college.

She said: “I have been absolutely buzzing since learning I’m a finalist for this award.

“I was nominated 10 years ago but lost out – and I don’t mind admitting I was absolutely crushed!

“This time around, I am up against five, really great chefs. But I am determined this will be my year and that I’ll come home with the award.

“I really want to be able to present it to all our residents and my manager and mentor Fergus Davitt.

“Our Hotel Services Manager, Fergus Davitt, first took me on 25 years ago and has been there for me ever since. I want to win this for him and Colten and to make everyone proud.”

The National Care Awards, now in their 24th year are organised by the social care publication Caring Times Magazine and were devised to celebrate the very best people in the long-term care sector, highlighting excellence and rewarding those who work tirelessly to provide consistently outstanding care.

Fergus said: “Lorna’s dedication to her job and our residents knows no bounds.

“She prides herself on her attention to detail and strives to provide the tastiest, most beautifully presented food she possibly can, each and every day.

“Whether a resident has a passion for a food they once tried abroad, or perhaps has a condition which affects their dietary requirements, she is committed to fulfilling and exceeding their needs. I am extremely proud of her. She truly deserves this award.”

We have a total of seven nominations in this year’s National Care Awards: Chef, Care Home Group Over 20 settings, Dignity & Respect Care Home of the Year – St Catherines View in Winchester, Care Operations/Area Manager – Peter Doyle, Care Team – Abbotts Barton in Winchester, Care Housekeeper – James Locke, Braemar Lodge in Salisbury and Dementia Care Manager – Lorraine Bell, Linden House in Lymington.

Chief Executive Mark Aitchison said: “We are very proud to have seven finalists at this year’s awards, reflecting the immense amount of hard work and dedication shown by staff in caring for our wonderful residents across all Colten Care homes.

“We will all be sending positive and winning thoughts to Lorna and all our nominees on the day and look forward to welcoming them back to celebrations.”

The National Care Awards will take place at the Park Plaza Hotel in London on November 26.