Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Thistle Hill, Knaresborough HG5 8LS
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8.7 64 Reviews
  • Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home, Knaresborough
Thistle Hill Care Home provides high-quality 24-hour nursing and specialist dementia care in its dedicated Memory Lane Community.

The home offers skilled care for younger people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and has close links with the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The aim is to improve the quality of life for every resident by providing care in a safe and homely environment.

The team of highly qualified staff focus on the individual needs of residents using bespoke care plans, which are regularly reviewed.

This dedication can be seen across all aspects of life within the home, from cooking and hospitality to the social activities and events programme. Life at Thistle Hill is truly tailored to meet the variety of needs and interests of each resident.

The home is ideally situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales near the market town of Knaresborough and the spa town of Harrogate.

There are plenty of local amenities and visitors are always welcome, so why not call in and arrange a visit to see all that Thistle has to offer?

The home understands that looking for care can be a daunting process and are here to provide residents with the help and support needed.
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Care Provided by Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 85 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • COPD/Pulmonary Disease
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1483

This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Contact Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Nikki Mould (Operations Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 18+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2015

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (85)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (85)

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home Reviews (64)

8.7

Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 8.7 (8.664) out of 10, based on 10 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home has 64 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home
  • 21
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Total of 64, showing 41-60
Review from C P (Son of Resident) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thistle Hill and staff is a wonderful home for my dad, he has dementia and Parkinson's and he has come close to dying a couple of times, both times he has bounced back from the brink thanks to the excellent care provided. It's a really lovely home and I feel my dad is at peace here. The staff and management
are all really nice and polite at all times.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.
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Review from Emma F (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Moving mum to Thistle Hill was the best decision we have made. She is so well cared for and all the staff are fantastic. We cannot fault them.
Since Covid-19 the staff have gone above and beyond to help my mum and us to still have contact with each other. The staff are coming in before their shift
starts to enable us to speak to mum saying it's not too much trouble and they just want to ensure all their residents are happy.
Thank you for all your hard work. It does not go unnoticed.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words.
Everyone is working together through this difficult and uncertain time, and the staff are doing a fantastic job supporting the residents in making contact with relatives.
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Review from Gina F (Friend of Resident) published on 22 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I always found all of the staff friendly, helpful and most importantly very caring towards my friend, who had dementia and although a lovely lady, towards the end, could be a little difficult and rude to them. They were all well aware that this was the illness, not the real lady and treated her with
great patience and care. On her birthday they had a little celebration and persuaded her to have a shower and put on a smart dress. We brought wine and it was a lovely atmosphere.
My friend did not like the food but, having said that she did not like any food! It always looked very good to me.
Towards the end, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff made a special effort to organise FaceTime calls to me, which was a great comfort to both my friend and me.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeIt was a real pleasure to look after this lady, she showed a lot of spirit and kept the staff on their toes. I am so pleased that you were able to facetime during a difficult time.
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Review from B S (Husband of Resident) published on 3 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
1. Lack of communication: management to residents and relatives.
2. Lack of staff in all disciplines. High staff turnover: pay and inducement policy implications? Too much reliance on agency cover: cost?
Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team; we work hard to recruit the right carers and ensure they are inducted and trained to a high standard. We continually review our rota's to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of our residents as their health needs change. We would like to apologise for any concerns you experienced with our service. We operate an open-door policy and extend a warm invitation to all our residents and families to discuss any concerns they may have. The home team will continue to supports our residents in the best way possible with adjustments made according to specific needs. Please do get in contact directly with the manager if you have a resident in the home and you would like to discuss any specific issues.
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Review from L M (Mother of Resident) published on 6 January 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
On the whole, the home is quite good, however staffing levels need assessing and more continuity on the night shift would make this an excellent home.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you for your comments regarding our staff team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. We work hard to recruit the right staff and ensure they are inducted and trained to a high standard. We continually review our rotas to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of our residents as their health needs change.
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Review from Caroline O (Wife of Resident) published on 10 December 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband was only in the home for a few weeks before he died. They looked after him extremely well. The staff were excellent and the atmosphere was very good.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words, the staff do appreciate positive feedback.
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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 22 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Thistle Hill seems to be a well-run home. The staff are happy. The residents are well cared for. The manager has an open door.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind words, it is always good for the staff to receive positive feedback.
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Review from Claire W (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff were excellent with everything they did for my mum. She was treated with dignity when she died in the home. Staff should be told what a good job they do, and thanked.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeWe believe end of life care is very important. Thank you for your kind words and I will pass this onto the staff team. They always appreciate words of encouragement and kindness.
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Review from Rick H (Son of Resident) published on 28 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and volunteers at Thistle Hill cared for my father who had been sectioned under the mental health act as his dementia caused him to suffer great anxiety leading to behaviour which could be both unpredictable and aggressive.
During the 20 months he resided in the home, he calmed down enormously
thanks to the high quality of the professional, patient care he received.
My father is now at rest and my family and I would like to thank the team at Thistle Hill for all they did for him during his residency and for making us feel so welcome when we visited.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind review. We are happy that your dad was able to enjoy his time at Thistle Hill Care Centre.
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Review from Anne C (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has dementia and is not easy to handle as she is aggressive at times. Also, she has a high fall risk. When my mother ended up in hospital after breaking her thumb, her care provider wouldn't take her back and so we were left trying to find a care home provider. As soon as we went to view Thistle
Hill, the welcome from walking into reception and upstairs in the dementia unit gave us such a warm feeling that my mum would be well looked after. The care is fantastic and nothing is too much trouble.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your review. We aim to make all our visitors feel at home when they visit us at Thistle Hill. The carers always welcome positive feedback about the care they give, as it is important to them that they are doing a good job.
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Review from Patricia C (Resident) published on 25 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I have been a resident for nine years. We are short of carers, no cover when they have holidays, this time becomes very muddled.
Dignity is not carried out at times. Some care staff have no bedside manners.
We have new management, who don't seem to be in the same manner which we had yet.
Cleanliness
is poor, we have only one good cleaner.
Value for money is low, as some jobs are very muddled.
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Review from James E (Husband of Resident) published on 17 April 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Having to use your centre for my wife's respite through social service Harrogate, we were deeply impressed in every aspect of care and attention of each member of staff even part-timers. The standard of hygiene, food, accommodation and friendliness was of a very high standard comparable to a hotel!!
How the efficiency is kept so high in this day of scarce carers is beyond us, this is the benchmark all care home should take up!! Thank you so much.
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Review from R R (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent nursing facilities and caring staff. Always clean and tidy. Well prepared food, well-maintained building, well managed.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeI am glad that you find our nursing facility excellent. We pride ourselves in offering home cooked food and like to have a varied menu. We feel that Thistle Hill is a great facility for our residents and the grounds that we have are a great asset.
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Review from J J (Relative of Resident) published on 21 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Have found care good and staff friendly.
No feeding as done on peg feed.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your positive review at Thistle Hill Care Centre. I am pleased that the care your relative is receiving is of a good standard. The care team at Thistle Hill are an integral part of the home and like to welcome residents and relatives to the home.
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Review from Wayne C (Resident) published on 6 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This is a good place to come to and they treat you right. If you ask things they will do it for you.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeI am pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Thistle Hill Care Centre and we look forward to you coming again.
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Review from B A (Brother of Resident) published on 11 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
A quiet pleasant atmosphere about the place. The staff are very polite and approachable.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind comments. We aim to have a quiet homely atmosphere at Thistle Hill. I will pass the comments on to the staff as it is always good for them to receive such positive comments.
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Review from Leslie A (Brother of Resident) published on 9 January 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My brother took up residence in November 2017 so still finding his way around.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeI am glad your brother is settling into life at Thistle Hill Care Centre. Thank you for your positive feedback.
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Review from Richard C (Friend of Resident) published on 30 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Directly I arrive (by taxi) an easy chair and a coffee supply appear to keep me comfortable while a push chair is provided. I visit room 23 which is practically the farthest from the entrance. I am 92 years old and am disabled. When I play and when I visit I sit in the push chair until I leave. I am
fed with coffee at the end of my visit until the taxi arrives. My shoulder bag and raincoat are stored for me at the entrance.
Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeI am glad you enjoy your visits to Thistle Hill. We look forward to you coming each week. We are very happy to provide you with coffee and cake which I know you enjoy.
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Review from Alan C (Husband of Resident) published on 30 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home is extremely clean. Staff are extremely helpful. Food is very good. Very nice and homely atmosphere.


My wife has settled in very well.

Reply from Mandy Scott, General Manager at Barchester Thistle Hill Care HomeThank you for your kind comments. We have just employed a new head chef so I am glad your wife is enjoying the meals.
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Review from Sue W (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 August 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 2.0 out of 5
Staffing levels in dementia unit are woefully inadequate.
Care staff try and do a good job but do not have staffing levels to achieve an acceptable level of care or safety of vulnerable residents.
Management unable or unwilling to respond to complaints.
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Current Review Score: 8.7 (8.664)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.7 (8.664) out of 10 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 10 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.2 out of 5 from 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.435 for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (64 Excellents x 5) + (40 Goods x 4) + (9 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 115 Ratings = 4.435
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.229 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Thistle Hill Care Home is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 = 3.7
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 85 registered maximum number of service users is 17. 9 Positive Reviews ÷ 17 = 0.529
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 6 Jul 2023

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

Meet the Team (9)

Nikki

Nikki Mould

Job Title: Operations Manager

Hello Thank you for taking the time to look further into what we have to offer you or your loved one. Here is an opportunity to look at some of our staff team in the home, who all play a vital role in day-to-day life.


I have worked in the healthcare sector since the 1990s and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.  My career has progressed over the years, including spending many years in the NHS, and I am proud to have been recognised as an RCN Finalist in 2022 for Patients Choice Award, GBCH North East Highly Commended Nurse 2022 regional finals and Caring Times Care Homes Hero 2022. I am very passionate about ensuring the residents receive the best care and experience, with a special interest in dementia care.

Pratheesh

Pratheesh Thankachan

Job Title: Deputy Manager Joined: 2025

Hi, my name is Pratheesh, and I am Deputy Manager here at Thistle Hill Care Home


I started working in care as helping others and making a difference gives me purpose and drive and I continuously strive to improve my skill set every day so that the residents receive the best possible care and so that I can lead the team well – I have now been promoted to Deputy General Manager and I am excited for the future here at Thistle Hill Care Home.


I love getting to know the residents, their families, and I love the partnerships I’ve made with my colleagues and the wonderful team here.

Debbie

Debbie Hudson

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2018

Hi, my name is Debbie and I have been working at Thistle Hill since 2020 and started as a part-time admin assistant which I loved, however, the chance to become an administrator has recently arisen and I was appointed and started this position which is full-time in June. I am really enjoying my new position.


I like to spend my spare time with my family I have two grown-up daughters both of whom are nurses.


One of my daughters works here at Thistle Hill. I am a proud grandmother to two lovely granddaughters who are nine and two.


I like to travel when this is permitted and love Corfu in Greece where I have been on holiday for 15 years. I recently went to Las Vegas with my younger daughter, where we spent time exploring, and visited the Grand Canyon via helicopter flying over the Hoover Dam.

Joe

Joe Hardisty

Job Title: Physiotherapist Joined: 2024

Joe is our wonderful in-house Physiotherapist at Thistle Hill Care Home. Joe is a very popular member of the team and residents love him. Joe is not only busy at work, he has a very busy time at home with two little ones - a boy and a girl, who he is so proud of. When he gets a minute to himself, Joe chills out by watching the football and playing football. Joe likes to do a bit of running and plays the piano.

Ewelina

Ewelina Sadowska

Job Title: Head Chef Joined: 2008

I love to get to know our residents, creating wonderful, wholesome dishes for them to enjoy. Understanding their individual nutrition and dietary needs is very important, and we take great pride in knowing the food we serve helps to improve residents' well-being here at the home.

Stephen

Stephen Walls

Job Title: Head of Maintanance Joined: 1994

Stephen is responsible for maintaining the environment and equipment within Thistle Hill, thereby ensuring the comfort, safety and well-being of our residents.

Amber

Amber Newband

Job Title: Activities Lead Joined: 2026

My name is Amber Newband, and I’m excited to be joining Thistle Hill as the new Activities Lead. I previously worked as a teacher’s assistant at a local school, where I gained experience supporting learning and engaging with Children.
I’m looking forward to bringing that passion into my work here and creating meaningful, enjoyable activities for everyone.


In my spare time, I enjoy working in my art studio and painting with watercolours.


I’m really looking forward to getting to know and working with the residents and families. If you see me around, please feel free to say hello!

Rebecca

Rebecca Almond

Job Title: Admin Assistant Joined: 2026

Hi, my name is Rebecca, and I am the Admin Assistant here at Thistle Hill Care Home. I joined the team in 2026, previously working in care for the last 20 years. Joined the team to support with all aspects of the administration of the home to ensure it runs smoothly.


Providing excellent customer service is something I thrive on, going above and beyond for relatives and their families.


In my spare time, I spend time with my 5 grandchildren and love horse riding.

Jean

Jean Durrant

Job Title: Resident Ambassador Joined: 2014

My name is Jean, and I have lived at Thistle Hill since 2014. The carers are so good to me, and they feel like a second family.


The care team are always there for me, and no ask for help is ever too big or small.


I take great pride in being the Resident Ambassador. Every day I like to say good morning to everyone and make everybody a cup of tea or coffee.


I really enjoy helping in the office and welcoming guests as they come into the reception.

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