Barchester The Fernes

Hello, my name is Alina, and I am the General Manager at The Fernes Care Home. My team and I look forward to welcoming you into our home.

I have a background in HR, IT, and finance, but I decided to pursue a career in healthcare when I moved to the UK in 2015. My first experience with the residents I supported had a profound impact on me, and it changed my perspective on life. It made me realise the difference that good care and compassion can make in a person's life.

In my previous roles, I spent most of my time in an office, surrounded only by my computer, paperwork, and occasional phone calls. But in my current role, I take home with me the smiles, hugs, and happiness of the residents I care for. It is the greatest reward.

Since starting my career in healthcare, I have continued to develop my skills and knowledge. I have achieved Level 2 and Level 3 in Adult Care, a distinction in Dementia Care, and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership of Health and Social Care Adults with distinction. I am an adaptable person with good business acumen and a positive attitude.

As a passionate healthcare professional, I am committed to leading my team in delivering outstanding care to our residents. I practice an open-door policy for residents, relatives, and staff, as they are at the heart of what we do at The Fernes.

Hi, my name is Hayley, and I am the Deputy Manager at The Fernes. I started working here 8 years ago as a carer and have followed my career goals and aspirations, and worked my way through the ranks to Deputy Manager.

My learning and development were recognised in 2023 when I was the South Division's Learner of the Year.

My passion within the care sector is palliative care, and I am the home's Palliative Care Champion.

In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports or being by the sea.

I look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful home.

Hi my name is Justyna and I am Community Care Lead here at The Fernes. I actually started my journey here at Barchester as a housekeeper in 2019 but soon realised my passion was within the care side of the home. I worked hard to progress from Carer to Community Care Lead by completing my NVQ’s within the company. I work mainly on our Memory Lane unit and I am also Dementia Champion. As a Care Community Lead I am responsible for overseeing the clinical and care delivery within the home. I take pride in maintaining high standards of quality, compliance, and person-centered care, while nurturing a positive and inclusive culture among my team. I am approachable and supportive; I actively encourage learning, reflection, and team development. I strive to lead by example, balancing professionalism with warmth and empathy in every interaction with residents, families, and staff.

I started working at Barchester in 2023 at Challoner House Nursing Home in Chandlers Ford in a job share role as Administrator. In November 2025 I decided to return to full time employment and I was lucky enough to join The Fernes Care Home in the capacity of full time Administrator.

I have worked in administration for over 35 years and really enjoy my current role with Barchester. I enjoy working at The Fernes and especially love being able to support our residents and their families.

Hello, my name is Becci. I have worked at The Fernes since 2017. I started out as a carer and in 2023 I was given the opportunity to take on the role of Admin Assistant. I really enjoy the different challenges this role brings whilst still being able to see the lovely residents and our wonderful team. I love being able to build up relationships with family and friends and welcome them into our home with a smile. My career here at The Fernes has taught me many new skills which I am really grateful for and I look forward to expanding my knowledge further.

Hello, my name is Emily. I’ve been working at the Fernes for a year and a half. I started as a carer and was given the opportunity to progress and begin my NVQ 3 to become a senior carer.

I’m passionate about my job and love working for the Fernes. It’s become a second family, both staff and residents and I hope to progress my career here.

My name is Saffire and I have worked here at The Fernes since 2023, starting out as a carer on nights.
I was soon given the opportunity to progress to a senior carer and move on to the day shift.
You will find me working on all 3 floors throughout the home. I enjoy the variety this gives me plus it allows me to get to know all the residents we care for.
I am also a Dementia Champion for our home, which I enjoy. I like to spend my spare time with my family or indulging in some retail therapy

I have been working in care for the majority of my work life, I started in domiciliary care and then made the move to The Fernes Care Home. I have progressed from Carer to Senior Carer and jumped at the opportunity to become the Activities Coordinator. I am outgoing and creative so find this role much more suited to me.

I enjoy planning all the fun and meaningful activities which are enriching the residents' lives. As I have worked my way up at The Fernes, I feel I know our residents very well and love to meet new faces, getting to know them and help them to meet new friends. Spending quality time with residents and seeing them relaxed, smiling and happy is the most rewarding part of the role.

My name is Mark. I started at The Fernes in 2025. Previously, I was a Facilities manager at various secondary schools. This has given me the opportunity to expand on my skill set in different areas of maintenance and Health and Safety. I am very into motorcycles, so much so that I own 3! In my spare time, I am either riding my bike or oil painting. No job is too big or small; my priority is ensuring the residents are safe and happy in their homes.

My name is Grazia, I’m super excited to introduce myself as the Head Chef at The Fernes.

I grew up in Sardinia where my passion for cooking was born. Professionally I have 30 years of experience, initially working in Sardinia before moving to London as a Pastry Chef. Cooking is my passion; I strive to be the best I can and so in 2019 I joined a care home in order to become the complete Chef that I am today. I have been with Barchester for the last 3 years where, in order to progress my career, I was given the opportunity to successfully complete my Chef Academy. I love cats and I have 4, they are my babies. If I’m not at work you will tending to my garden or shopping!!

My name is Kerry an I am the Head of Housekeeping at The Fernes. I am bringing with me a wealth of experience in both housekeeping and management within the care sector. I have a strong background in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation. I am dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all our residents, families, and staff.

My experience in care management made me understand the unique needs of those living in our home, ensuring that housekeeping not only meets regulatory standards but also enhances the overall well-being, experience and dignity of our residents. I aim to lead my team with professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.

I am passionate about making a positive difference, and I take pride in supporting my team to deliver outstanding care in a homely and well-kept environment.