Completion of a refurbishment and fire safety works project at Your Choice Barnet’s residential care home, Dell Field Court in Finchley 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 WG 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. The event coincided timely with Dementia Awareness Week, which is especially relevant as Dell Field Court specialises in dementia care.

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 just under 18 months to complete.

Changes at Dell Field Court 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.

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 WG Wigginton”.

The team at WG Wigginton commented on the much-needed refurbishment works at Dell Field Court.

“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.”

Alex Mitchell, Projects Director

“It has been our absolute pleasure to work with Jayram, Scott and the entire team at Dell Field Court throughout the works. We really all got to know each other over the last 18 months! Seeing the difference, from start to finish, has been amazing.

Knowing the extent of works completed on so many existing services, from utilities, supplies, to fire safety installations, decorations, and everything in between. I am very proud of our site team and the welcoming Dell Field Court staff, who continually went above and beyond working together, to help us bring the project over the line successfully.”

Mike Parker, Senior Contracts Manager

“WG Wigginton are extremely proud to support YCB in the refurbishment of Dell Field Court. Many of us have family members in similar situations, so it has been very important for us to deliver our absolute best and are proud to have been able to deliver a variety of social value for residents along the way. I know the site team will really miss Scott, Jayram and everyone at Dell field Court so much!”

Danielle Richardson, Compliance & Safety Manager

Throughout the process, the relationship between Barnet Homes and WG Wigginton has strengthened, and the partnership are now working together on other residential care homes on Your Choice Barnet’s portfolio including Meadowside which is in Woodside Park, not far from Dell Field Court. Works here are expected to be completed in the coming months in Summer 2024.

The success of works at Dell Field Court 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.

Dell Field Court 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 yourchoicebarnet.org for more .

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