A Birmingham nursing home has been recognised nationally for its outstanding end of life care after winning the Palliative Residential Care Provider Award 2026 at the Palliative Care Awards.
Robert Harvey House in Handsworth Wood is part of Birmingham charity BCOP (Broadening Choices for Older People). The home received the award in recognition of its compassionate, person-centred approach to caring for older people in the final stages of life.
The home is recognised for its “home for life” approach, enabling residents to remain in familiar surroundings with specialist end of life care from the team they know and trust. Working closely with GPs, district nurses, hospices and specialist palliative care professionals, the team provides seamless care that supports not only residents but also their families through one of life’s most difficult times.
The award celebrates residential care providers that deliver high-quality, person-centred palliative care, support staff development, work closely with hospices and healthcare partners, and make a lasting difference to the comfort and wellbeing of people approaching the end of life.
Robert Harvey House was shortlisted from entries across the UK before Nursing Home Manager Anthea Reid and Care Manager Mesha Watson were invited to present the home’s approach to palliative care during an interview with the independent judging panel. The judges praised Robert Harvey House for its exceptional team culture, saying: “An extraordinary total-team culture and unmatched staff retention set this service apart. They excel with specialist Namaste touch care, sensory passports, and proactive multicultural community connections. This whole-team commitment safely protects the diverse spiritual and sensory needs of residents during their final moments in care.”
As well as delivering expert clinical care, Robert Harvey House focuses on every aspect of a resident’s wellbeing. Specialist Namaste Care and personalised sensory passports help ensure comfort, dignity and meaningful connections for people living with advanced dementia and those receiving end of life care.
Helen Gore, Chief Executive of BCOP, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Birmingham charity has again received national recognition. This award celebrates the compassion, professionalism and dedication shown every day by the team at Robert Harvey House. It also demonstrates that not-for-profit organisations like BCOP can lead the way in providing outstanding, person-centred end of life care.”
The award recognises the contribution of every member of the Robert Harvey House team. Alongside nurses and care staff, colleagues working in housekeeping, catering, maintenance, activities and administration all play an important role in creating a calm, welcoming environment where residents and families feel supported.
Anthea Reid, Nursing Home Manager at Robert Harvey House, said: “This award belongs to our whole team. They are all stars. Every member of staff plays a part in helping residents live with dignity, comfort and compassion, and I’m delighted that our teamwork and commitment have been recognised nationally.”
BCOP continues to invest in specialist dementia and end of life care in all three nursing homes. Our care includes Namaste Care, which uses meaningful sensory experiences to enhance comfort, connection and wellbeing for people living with advanced dementia.
The charity, which has been supporting older people across Birmingham since 1946, provides nursing care, dementia care, respite care and social housing, with all surpluses reinvested into improving services for older people.
For more information about Robert Harvey House and BCOP’s nursing care services, visit www.bcop.org.uk.
