Awards
Mark and Evgenia Gibbs.
Published: July 2, 2024 | Updated: 1st July 2024
A family-run nursing home in the New Forest has beaten almost 400 others to be named ‘Hampshire Nursing Home of the Year’.
Gorselands Nursing Home in Burley won the accolade at the Hampshire Care Awards 2024, staged by the Hampshire Care Association.
The home, run by the Gibbs family, was nominated by residents and their loved ones.
The independent judging panel also took into account reports from mystery shopper-style inspections.
Managing Director Mark Gibbs, pictured left, received the award from TV doctor Hilary Jones.
He said: “It was a complete surprise to be named winner by Dr Hilary. Although we were shortlisted I hadn’t considered that we might actually win.
“It’s thanks to our wonderful staff that we have such a great nursing home and it’s thanks to our residents and their families that we were nominated.
“My wife Evgenia and I started working in the care sector due to my late mother encouraging us to take over the reins at Gorselands.
“It was so both she and my father could eventually retire – and so she could undergo treatment following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
“We left our previous careers to take over the home and make it the dream she had always envisioned.
“Sadly, my mother passed away three years ago, but I know she watches over us, and I know she would be incredibly proud of Gorselands winning the award.
“Over the years, Evgenia and I have developed a true love for Gorselands and now feel that we have 35 parents who we get to see on a daily basis.
“The love, humour and sense of family is something that touches us in more ways than one can imagine.
“We are also so fortunate to have such a fantastic team.”
The awards were held at Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl.
