In a celebration of four decades of service, Bennfield House marked its 40-year anniversary on Friday, April 26. Founded by Penny Bennett, RMN, QN, Bennfield House was Doncaster’s first nursing home.
Established in 1984, Bennfield House was Doncaster’s first nursing home and was established during a time with limited regulation or guidance. Since then, Bennfield House has become a cherished home for residents, serving the community for over 40 years.
Over the years, Penny and the Bennfield House team have prioritised education and opportunity, supporting numerous carers to progress to nurse training and beyond. Initiatives have included a preceptorship programme for newly qualified nurses, earning her the title of ‘Queen’s Nurse’ in 2016 for her contributions to patient care. Bennfield House also lead a nurse associate apprenticeship programme.
Bennfield House’s amazing work was recognised during their anniversary celebrations, which were attended by the Mayor of Thorne, Susan Durant, and Deborah Sturdy, OBE, Chief Nurse Social Care, England. Penny and her dedicated team were honoured for their outstanding contributions.
Deborah Sturdy, OBE, awarded Bennfield House’s team with the Chief Nurse Team award for excellence in social care. Penny Bennett was also awarded the Gold Award for Excellence.
Penny Bennett, Director at Bennfield House, said:
I feel very honoured to receive this high award for doing a job which I love and which I am so passionate about
Jane Lindop, Community Mental Health Nurse for the NHS, said:
Matron [Penny Bennett] shows inspirational leadership, she is kind , supportive, hardworking, and compassionate. Her performance in the workplace is outstanding coupled with her depth of knowledge and experience gained through her career this I feel makes her a most deserving person for the award.
Daryl Blagg, a supported person’s daughter, said:
My mother and I first met Matron [Penny Bennett] early in 2022 when my father became a resident at Bennfield Nursing Home. During our first conversation Matron stated that my father would be treated as part of the Bennfield family and with lots of love and she has been true to her word.
