Meet the Westergate House Care Home Team

Our staff are what hold the home together. Each one of these team members are dedicated to providing high quality care and services to those we support, and ensuring that residents enjoy all aspects of life at our home. See below to meet some of our friendly faces:

Paul Middleton

Paul Middleton-Russell

General Manager

Welcome to the Westergate House website, my name is Paul and I am the General Manager here.

I have over 25 years experience within the healthcare profession, working in the NHS, prior to moving to the private healthcare sector in 1996. I have been the General Manager here at Westergate House for over 18 years. During this time we have built a strong team that continually strives for excellence and to improve the service we offer to our residents.

The quality of the delivery of person centred care is paramount in my philosophy to create a home where I would be happy to be a resident. I feel passionately about Westergate and together with my team, we are committed to making a difference for our residents, supporting individuals in everyday successes.

We never lose sight of the fact that residents don’t live in our work place - we work in their home!

Bernice Jenkins, RMN

Deputy Manager

My name is Bernice and I am the Deputy Manager here at Westergate House.

I have been at Westergate House for over 15 years and a Registered Mental Nurse for 32 years. I have a dedicated team and I share my knowledge and experience with them to enhance the well-being of the residents and to make every day enjoyable. Westergate House is my home and I could never imagine working anywhere else. I have always wanted to be a nurse and to make a difference, to be part of residents' lives to make them feel safe, happy and secure.

Nikki Simpson

Clinical Lead

Nikki recently joined Westergate House as our Clinical Lead.  
Nikki has a bright and sparkly personality which compliments our team here at Westergate House.
Nikki joined the NHS in 2002 and worked her way up the ladder of the care sector.
Prior to nursing Nikki owned a restaurant in Fleet Street. She has some really great stories to tell.

Marc Freeman

Nurse

I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2011 and began my career working for Barchester Healthcare.  I spent the first two years working at Llys Y Tywysog Care Home in Wales and then transferred to Westergate House eight years ago.

I am thoroughly enjoying my role here in West Sussex and love caring for our residents.  No two days are the same and there is always something fun going on.  I enjoy taking part in the home’s activities and appeared in last year’s panto.  I am also a keen member of the Westergate House quiz team!

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my family.

Lee Austin

Hi, My name is Lee and I am the Head of Lifestyle here at Westergate House Care Home. I support our residents daily to do the things they enjoy and it is extremely important to me that we are offering a premium and person centered service to each resident. 

Chris Gray Grana Priego

Head Chef

I live locally to Chichester and I joined the team at Westergate House as Head Chef in 2021. I qualified as a chef in 1992 and served in the Royal Navy for 24 years, both in service and as a head chef. After leaving the Navy, I had an amazing experience of being able to take part in ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ and reached the quarter finals.

I have also cooked for several members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, Prince Philip on his 90th birthday and the Countess of Wessex.

My role is to provide a nutritionally balanced diet to our residents, with the odd sneaky treat thrown in. I enjoy planning menus catered around the residents’ favourite dishes, as well as trialling new and exciting dishes from around the world. I source and use fresh ingredients to prepare delicious, nutritionally balanced meals throughout the day for the various needs of the residents in our care.

Roger Godfrey

Head of Maintenance

My name is Roger and I am the Head of Maintenance at Westergate House.  I have been in the role for two years and have enjoyed establishing a structured plan to meet the maintenance needs of our beautiful Grade II listed building.

I have spent 24 years working for the Army and feel confident in my unfazed approach to sorting and fixing!  An interesting fact, having travelled the world, I am the proud owner of memorabilia from 53 Hard Rock Cafes.  While I oversee all things maintenance, part of the pleasure my role brings, is conversing with our residents and sharing stories of travel and careers.

Rivka Marriott

Hi, My name is Rivka, I am the Head Housekeeper here at Westergate House Care Home. I am really passionate about my position and take pride in keeping the home clean and well looked after. long with my team, we ensure everyday that we are giving our residents a lovely environment to live in. 

Joan, Vanessa and Eileen

Joan, Vanessa and Eileen

Administrator Team

Together the girls have over 20 years service at Westergate. Joan heads up the team, welcoming you into the home and they are always happy to offer assistance and support.

Konnie

Second Chef

My name is Konnie and I am the Second Chef here at Westergate House.

As Second Chef, I get to assist Eric in all areas of catering that we offer here at Westergate.

I came to the UK from Thailand in 2006 and studied catering at a local college in order to train to be a chef.

Since then, I have worked in a variety of restaurants and cafes prior to working as part of the team at Westergate.

The thing I love about working for Barchester is that the food service we provide really makes a difference to the residents' lives – we strive to ensure that they enjoy every part of their dining experience! I also enjoy using my experience in Asian cuisine to inspire different flavours and dishes, which are well received!