Riversmead’s Bircherley Court recognised for healthcare award

Published by SRedford for Network Housing Group Limited in Housing and also in Communities

Riversmead Housing Association’s flexicare housing scheme, Bircherley Court, in Hertford is a finalist at this year’s Pinders Healthcare Design Awards in the category of Independent Living (Regeneration).

Bircherley Court, a former 1970s development, was transformed into a state-of-the-art flexicare housing scheme for older people, which embraces interdependence and stimulates social interaction. Carers are available on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year enabling residents to continue living independently in their own home.

The Healthcare Design Awards acknowledge the difference made by housing associations, architects and designers to the lives of residents in receipt of care.

As part of the judging process, the scheme was visited by members of the awards panel who toured the facilities with Riversmead staff and architect Kyle Smart Associates.

To mark the scheme’s achievement as a shortlisted finalist, the judges presented the team with a cheque for £500 for a charity of their choice. The money was donated to SENSE, a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf or blind.

Bircherley Court is continuing its awards success after being crowned runner-up in the Integration and Collaborative Working category at last year’s Herts and Beds Constructing Excellence Club Awards and shortlisted for a 2012 Housebuilder award and Regeneration and Renewal award.

Riversmead will find out at an event at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 21^st March 2013 whether they can add this prestigious healthcare award to their achievements.

Chris Wright, Riversmead’s Director of Housing said: “We are delighted that Bircherley Court has been selected as a finalist for a Healthcare Design Award. Unlike other awards which focus on the construction of the development, this award recognises the positive life changing possibilities schemes such as Bircherley Court offer older people.

“Residents have told us that moving into Bircherley Court has given them a new lease of life. Being shortlisted for this award further acknowledges the role staff, partners and the onsite care team have played in making a real difference to residents’ lives.”

www.riversmead.org.uk

A member of Network Housing Group - www.networkhg.org.uk