Completion of a refurbishment and fire safety works project at Your Choice Barnet’s residential care home and day centre, Meadowside in Woodside Park were celebrated at an event held recently. All teams involved with the works were in attendance including Your Choice Barnet’s sister company Barnet Homes who project managed and coordinated with building contractor W G Wigginton to ensure the project ended in a timely manner and finished to the highest standards, meeting all necessary health and safety requirements in the process.

Following Your Choice Barnet’s appointment by London Borough of Barnet of three residential care homes from another provider, the Barnet Homes team undertook building safety inspections of all homes and identified several significant safety issues which prompted rapid action to mitigate the major risks initially to ensure the safety of both residents and staff working there. The refurbishment works took nearly three years to complete.

Changes at Meadowside included a complete overhaul of the fire safety system in place, including the installation of sprinklers through the building. A full review of energy-saving measures and innovative technology which could be used to support the care home, which is known for its dementia-friendly care and person-centred approach.

Sara White, Registered Manager at Meadowside Residential care home

“The improvements to Meadowside due to the renovation works have improved the quality of life for our residents and ensured several positive outcomes. For the duration of the works the staff team at Meadowside worked successfully alongside contractors from W G Wigginton to ensure that there was minimal disruption to residents and ensured that residents and their families were involved in any decision making regarding the design and improvements to the building. The dementia friendly design has had a positive impact on residents including reducing confusion levels for those living with dementia as each flat and area in the building now has a colour scheme signposting residents to which area they are in. The implementation of circadian rhythm lighting in all lounges has helped residents get a better night’s sleep and the new nurse call system with inbuilt falls sensors has been successful in reducing falls significantly. We also now have two new sensory rooms which can also be used as dementia friendly lounges and a comfortable visiting room where residents can spend time with their families and friends. We have also had some compliments and positive feedback from residents and their relatives regarding the improvements to the building and the impact this has had.”

Gavin Bass, Interim Director of Property Services for Barnet Homes commented on the completion of works.

“We now have a building which is fire compliant and has been signed off meeting all regulatory standards. There are now amazing benefits to this care home such as energy saving efficiencies in place, which will help reduce heating costs with lower temperatures then before. In addition, we can now ensure water is no longer wasted thanks to the works completed here by our contractors W G Wigginton.

This was a challenging project due to the sheer number of trades involved and the complexity of the works, especially being a specialist occupied building. The Wigginton team worked brilliantly in partnership with Care Home Management, staff and residents. We are very pleased with the finished product, and happy that we could facilitate such an important project, ultimately providing improvements for service users.”

The team at W G Wigginton commented on the much-needed refurbishment works at Meadowside.

Alex Mitchell, Projects Director

“Another challenging project due to complexity of works and the number of trades involved in every area. It has been impressive to see all the trades, site team and care home staff liaise and work so well together to move residents and complete the building section by section.

We are pleased with finished product and glad that residents at Meadowside can enjoy all the improvements to the building.”

Mike Parker, Senior Contracts Manager

“It has been a pleasure to work with Sara, Roberto, the team and everyone at Meadowside throughout the works over the last 18 months.

All services have been renewed including fire safety, supplies & utilities, existing services, building and carpentry works and decorations. I am proud of the Wigginton Team and thankful to everyone at Meadowside, working extremely well together to complete a very successful project!”

Gemma Brooks, Resident Liaison Officer

“Meadowside care home residents and staff have been very accommodating throughout works and we developed a great relationship.

It has been an absolute pleasure to work with everyone.

Thanks to Sara and the team for their co-ordination and patience with us! My favourite part has definitely been seeing the residents using the refurbished areas and all their new sensory equipment, and seeing the finished rooms being enjoyed.”

Danielle Richardson, Compliance & Safety Manager

“It has been an honour to provide refurbishment to another great Care Home within the borough. The improvements made to the building, and most importantly the difference for residents has been very rewarding to witness. Well done all!”

The success of works at Meadowside will benefit existing residents with the introduction of new technologies such as sensor lights and alarms, an interactive touchscreen which allows staff to engage with residents through fun activities and communications between residents and families are greater.

Meadowside are now welcoming prospective residents and families looking on behalf of their loved one, now is a great opportunity to visit and meet the team and see the wonderful facilities on display. Visit the Meadowside care home web page for more information here.

Notes to editors: Your Choice Barnet and Barnet Homes are part of The Barnet Group, which is owned by London Borough of Barnet. W G Wigginton is a building contractor who have been working alongside Barnet Homes for many years now.