Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

O'Neill Drive, North Blunts, Peterlee SR8 5UP
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9.4 59 Reviews
  • Barchester Hawthorns Care Home, Peterlee
The Hawthorns makes the most of pleasant grounds and a versatile interior to provide top quality nursing and residential care, with professionals available round-the-clock and also skilled in care and support for physical disabilities and dementia.

A committed team work hard to ensure that all provision is tailored to the individual, while allowing them to make the most of a relaxed and homely atmosphere.

All staff are carefully chosen and well-qualified to achieve the best standards, with the company philosophy focusing on an attentive service that also supports an active lifestyle. Personal interests are encouraged and there is much to enjoy within the life of the home.

The aim is to meet all residents’ needs over the long-term, living up to a reputation for quality that Barchester homes have earned.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Younger Adults

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 108 Service Users

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

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, which is required to fully understand the level of care and support required by each individual and to ensure that the care needs of the individual can be met by the Home.

Funding Types Accepted

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

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Karen Champion (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Sep unit for EMI patients @ Seaham Hse. Neu Rehab 18+
  • Ages 18+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (104)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)

Barchester Hawthorns Care Home Reviews (59)

9.4

Barchester Hawthorns Care Home has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.447) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Hawthorns Care Home has 59 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Hawthorns Care Home
  • 12
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Total of 59, showing 1-20
Review from Andrea J (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 July 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father attended hospital on the 14/06/25, a lady from the Eppleton Suite assisted him. All the staff from the hospital commented on how good she was at her job. I wanted to feed these comments back to the home. The ambulance staff also commented on how nice the Barchester care home is.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for completing your review, feedback is so important to us. We value and are proud of our staff team, its really nice to hear that others do too. We will share your comments with Eppleton and the carer concerned.

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Review from Florance P (Goddaughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I recently visited the home as the activities team where doing Hawthorns Live.. I can honestly say this was outstanding the girls who did this should be given alot of praise as this was brilliant better than real festivals they treat everyone with respect and as if everyone was royalty. Well done to
the girls in pink for this amazing day.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much both for joining us on the day and for completing the review. I will share your feedback with out activities team and i agree, it was an amazing day.

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Review from Allan E (Son of Resident) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The whole team at Hawthorns - management, nurses, carers, facilities and cleaning team all fantastic. Day shift and night shift all the same, fantastic service and care. Our family have been treated with kindness and care and made my mam's last days as comfortable as possible. Thank you to you all from
the family.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for completing your review your feedback is really important to us, it was a pleasure to be able to support you all during this difficult time. I will share your review with the staff team.

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Review from Christine J (Wife of Resident) published on 9 June 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff are very supportive and caring. We could not ask for better care for my husband, They treat him with respect and kindness. We couldn't review the food as my husband is peg-fed.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for completing your review, I'ts reassuring to hear that you are happy with your husbands care. I will share your kind works with the staff team.

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Review from B W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
I've avoiding writing a review for this home for so long ..the surface of this home is lovely all re done high spec .. but scratch under the surface we have problems from poor food delayed treatment or get the words of 'we will keep an eye on her' trying their best to cover tracks, or speak to a nurse
in charge when you have an issue and get told please don't go to management! And when you did nothing ! as a family I just could never settle, was always hard to ring as they never answered the phone.
Some Staff AMAZING but these staff members would never get recognition they deserve.
After a hospital stay and safeguard concern our mam was removed from this home by CHC after finding the home had lied about our mums care and delayed hospital admission. Yes she nearly died! We have not heard from this home since she left I removed all her personal items on an evening and didn't have a follow up call from the manager or nothing was like they didn't care. Personally avoid for loved ones.
Reply from Feedback Team, The Feedback Team at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Hi, thanks for taking the time to leave your review. We're sorry that you felt unable to bring these concerns to our teams attention during your mams stay with us. Though we've been informed that you advised the hospital of your concerns, we haven't had any communication from yourself directly so that we can support you via our complaints process. If you feel this is something you would like to do, please get in touch with us so we can support you further on feedback@barchester.com. Kind regards, Barchester's Customer Feedback Team.

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Review from M H (Wife of Resident) published on 30 April 2025 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
RE - Relatives. 3 monthly review meeting.
This meeting covered all residents and all concerns where covered. My husband has now been in this care home 2+ years after we moved him from a previous home. All his needs are now met here and he is given first class service & provisions. Carers are first
class and would recommend this home to everyone - thank you.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to attend the meeting and share your feedback. I will ensure that your comments are shared with the team.

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Review from A C (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father had been a resident at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home for ten months but sadly, passed away at the home early January 2025. I wanted to say a special thank you for the loving and compassionate care he received from all the staff in the last few months of his life and that care and compassion
was also extended to his family. As we grieved, the staff at the home also grieved and the respect you showed my late-father as he left for the final time was truly extraordinary.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to complete your review. It was a pleasure to care for your father and to share the time with you all as a family.

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Review from Charlotte N (Respite Resident) published on 28 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good physiotherapy service. Always maintains high standard. Always happy to help patients. Always asking if need anything else. Definitely gets results in terms of mobility improvement. Always happy to guide you and provides useful information.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete your review and the lovely review. I will ensure that we share your comments with our physiotherapy team.

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Review from Alan T (Father of Resident) published on 28 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very pleased with the physio team and their treatment for my son. He has improved a lot since he's been in Barchester Hawthorns Care Home. He is getting very good care and we don't have any worries about the treatment and care.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for your review, your feedback is really important to us. I will ensure that I share your comments with our physiotherapy team.

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Review from Peter W (Father of Resident) published on 15 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I consider my son's treatment to be good on the whole but it depends on "who is on duty" with regard to staff. My son is rarely taken out on external trips, i.e. visits to shops, parks, seafronts etc. Why? The deployment of staff, as a whole, remains a contentious issue and has had an effect on their
morale which, in turn, affects my son. I realise the maximising of staff in the building saves money but patients get to know staff in personal terms and the introduction of staff in temporary rotation does have a detrimental effect. Will this continue?
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Review from Dorothy W (Mother of Resident) published on 15 October 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The Eppleton unit in Barchester Hawthorns Care Home is well-run but not perfect. Generally speaking, if my son is happy then so am I. I wish we could take him out but I am told that at the moment, it is not possible. He has been confined to his bedroom for nearly four years. He enjoys social activities
in the home but would also enjoy outings. He gets on very well with the nurses and carers he knows but because staff get moved around, he finds it difficult to understand why they are not always there. Have seen many changes over the years, not all good!
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Review from S B (Father of Resident) published on 9 October 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall, I feel the care of my daughter is excellent within the care setting, both medically and socially. Any medical problems are reported to me promptly and appropriately and where required, outside professional services are sought to complement those available within the home. All staff appear competent
and confident within their particular role and are readily approachable to questions or support to me as required. Overall, I have no concerns of significance in my daughter's care or with regard to my own role within it. I would like to have available a brief written record of daily activities that have been undertaken with her in or outside of her room (i.e. music group, film or such and physiotherapy sessions or sat outside of her room for periods of time).
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Review from L B (Wife of Resident) published on 30 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nice care home, friendly and helpful staff. The decor and surroundings are very pleasant. The physiotherapy team are excellent and has really helped my husband. Good occupational therapist team too. There are days when there is entertainment on and this is really beneficial to patients' mental health.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete your review. I will pass on your kind comments to our therapy and activity teams.

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Review from June H (Mother of Resident) published on 23 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My son has been a resident since June 2022. He received good care from all the staff. The physio's doing a brilliant job with my son. He is always looked after well. We have seen some improvements since he came here.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you for taking time to leave your review. We will share your comment with the team and be sure to thank the physiotherapists.

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Review from K C (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father is a resident here and honestly, I could not fault the staff and the Physiotherapists. They treat my dad with dignity, they cannot do enough.
The physios have given my dad so much that we thought wasn't possible, small things we all take for granted, I am so grateful for everyone and everything
they do. So glad my dad has these amazing people to help care for him.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete your review of Hawthorns Care Home, it is really helpful to see the impact that the team have. I will be sure to share your comments with the team.

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Review from J H (Wife of Resident) published on 11 September 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Wonderful activities for residents and families. Resident well cared for.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to complete your review, your feedback is really appreciated.

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Review from E F (Wife of Resident) published on 16 August 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
One of the criteria which was important when choosing a facility for my husband was the ratio of staff to residents. Barchester Hawthorns Care Home impressed me initially and after several months of visits, that impression has been confirmed. The staff are dedicated and aware of residents' needs. Another
positive action is the time residents spend together in the lounge, pleasant lounge - I very seldom see anyone alone or left in their room. The number of staff on duty and their awareness of residents is a comfort to a relative who is visiting their loved one!
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete this review. We are really pleased that you are happy with the care provided in the home and thank you for your positive comments which I will share with the team.

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Review from E Q (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 July 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been here for 6 years and throughout the whole stay all members of staff have been great. Everyone is very caring and kind, offering all the help they can to make my father feel at home whilst being considerate of his needs. We are moving him away to somewhere closer to home but if not
we couldn't have ever thought of moving him out.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you for taking your time to leave this review, it was a pleasure to look after your father and although we are sorry to see him go was are really happy that you will be able to spend more time together. I will share your lovely review with the team.

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Review from J H (Husband of Resident) published on 18 June 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My wife is being incredibly well looked after in the home and overall, the experience is good. The activities staff have been amazing with her and have managed to support her engaging with the community where other professionals have failed. The new chef is providing some exciting changes in the food
that is being served. It's not perfect as it can be challenging to get things right for some people with dietary requirements. Also, entry and exit to the home can be an issue if visiting outside the core hours when there is no one on the reception desk.
Reply from Karen Champion, Operations Manager at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

Thank you so much for taking the time to complete the review and for your positive comments. We are continuing to develop our provision for both residents and visitors who have special dietary requirements. I will share your feedback with the team.

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Review from M T (Son of Resident) published on 14 June 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful facility with attentive, professional staff. They've spent a lot of time making sure the environment is appropriate for residents with dementia. The dining room and gardens are fantastic. Really happy we found this home for our dad.
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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.447)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.447) out of 10 for Barchester Hawthorns Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 20 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 4.521 for Barchester Hawthorns Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (154 Excellents x 5) + (60 Goods x 4) + (17 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (4 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 236 Ratings = 4.521
  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 4.926 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Hawthorns Care Home is based on 20 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 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    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 108 registered maximum number of service users is 21.6. 20 Positive Reviews ÷ 21.6 = 0.926
  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: 2 Feb 2023

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • 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 (17)

Meet the Team (1)

Karen

Karen Champion

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2021

Hi, my name is Karen, and I am the General Manager here at The Hawthorns.


I began my career in the insurance and power generation industries and followed my heart into nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. My nursing journey has allowed me to work within both hospital and complex care services before moving into management and becoming a Chartered Manager. I joined Barchester Healthcare in 2021 as Operations Manager for the Hospitals and Complex Care Division.


My passion is empowering others, whether that be empowering residents and families to become involved in planning and decisions around their care and support needs or empowering staff to lead their self-development and meet their career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barchester Hawthorns Care Home

What types of Care is Barchester Hawthorns Care Home registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability & Younger Adults are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Barchester Hawthorns Care Home have?

There are 104 Single Rooms and 2 Couples/Companion Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Barchester Hawthorns Care Home?

Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room & Television point in own room are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is Barchester Hawthorns Care Home to the centre of Peterlee?

0.8 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Barchester Hawthorns Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Barchester Hawthorns Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.