Meet the Appletree Grange Care Home Team

Great care is delivered by great people and a committed and well-trained team, with a caring and inclusive view on life. Our trained team of professionals work together to create the best possible experience for those living in the home, striving to deliver excellent care services in a warm, homely environment. You can find out more about some of our wonderful staff members below:

Ben Patterson

General Manager

Hi, my name is Ben  and I am the General Manager here at Appletree Grange. Welcome to our website!

I have worked for Barchester since 2022, bringing my experience and dedication to my role. Through my experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of both the operational and clinical aspects of care services. I began my career at Barchester as a Deputy Manager at our sister home North Park, where I honed my skills in person centred care, team leadership and compliance management. I was then seconded into my role as Implementation Lead for our new e-Care Platform, I was responsible for driving the adoption of the new social care model across our 250 homes and hospitals, and I have a wealth of experience in change management because of this role. 

 As the General Manager here at Appletree Grange, I am focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring that we continue to provide outstanding person centred care that falls in line with our service user’s preferences, wishes and values.

Naomi Chukwudochie

Deputy Home Manager

My name is Naomi, and I am the Deputy Manager at Appletree Grange. With extensive experience in leadership and management, I bring a strong background in both operational oversight and compassionate care delivery.

Originally trained in Information Technology, I hold a Master’s degree, a Level 3 Diploma in Nursing, a Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management, and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. My IT background has significantly enhanced my effectiveness in the care sector, particularly with the implementation and utilisation of the Enable digital platform at Appletree Grange, which supports real-time, person-centred care delivery and clinical documentation.

I have been privileged to work under and be mentored by several experienced and highly respected managers in the care field, whose guidance has helped shape my approach to leadership—focused, inclusive, and outcomes-driven.

My role as Deputy Manager is not just a professional position—it is a passion that gives me immense joy and fulfilment. Every day, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents, ensuring their dignity, comfort, and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do at Appletree Grange.
 

Emma Upsall

Home Administrator

Hi, my name is Emma, and I am the Home Administrator here at Appletree Grange! 

I have a strong background in adult social care and after over 10 years in the sector, I am committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care that upholds the dignity and independence of every individual. I have worked in various care settings, from small residential homes to large-scale facilities, with a particular focus on supporting friends, relatives and friends.
 

Christina Curtis

Activities Coordinator

Hi, my name is Christina and I am the activities coordinator here at Appletree Grange. I joined both Barchester and the home in July 2024. We all know that keeping active is important. We have created a wonderful culture within the home and we will work together to give residents the best possible experience.

We are here to ensure that residents enjoy an environment that is both stimulating and socially active. We ensure the team knows each residents' preferences, so that we can deliver a person-centered program of events and activities. Essential to our homely feel is the strong relationships of trust we build with residents and their families and friends

David Scott

Head Chef

Hi, my name is David and I am Head Chef here at Appletree Grange. I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the home and have worked in the hospitality sector since I was 17-years old. I have previously cooked in hotels, restaurants, and in the army. Cooking is a passion of mine and I love seeing our lovely residents enjoying their meals. Here at Appletree Grange, we provide a wonderful choice of delicious and wholesome dishes. The food and the dining experience at Appletree Grange is recognised as an integral part of the lifestyle here at the home and I am responsible for managing the catering team, ensuring they provide a quality catering service to all our residents, guests and visitors.

Leigh Cameron

Carer

Hi, I’m Leigh, I joined Appletree in September 2022 as a Care Assistant and I enjoy getting to know our residents, it’s a lovely environment for them and I love working here and hope to be here for many years to come. I love working as part of a team in delivering quality care and lifestyle for our residents - it feels like an extended family.

James Evans

Kitchen Assistant

Hi, my name is James and I am a Kitchen Assistant at Appletree Grange and joined the home in 2014. I love my job and spending happy times with our residents and staff. Appletree Grange is a very happy home and there is lots of laughter. This makes it a pleasure to come to work.

Rosie - The Dog

We’re thrilled to introduce our very own mascot—Rosie the Dog!

Rosie comes in every day, bringing wagging tails and warm smiles to both our staff and residents. She’s quickly become the heart of our home, spreading love, cuddles, and a little bit of mischief! 

The residents absolutely adore her, and let’s just say… she’s paws-itively the best thing to happen to Appletree Grange!