The Board of Trustees at Nightingale Hammerson would like to welcome the appointment of Joanne Black and Paul Althasen as new Co-chairs of the charity.  They succeed Melvin Lawson who has provided exceptional leadership over the past 7 years, during which Nightingale House was rated CQC Outstanding; the only Outstanding care home serving the Jewish community in the UK. Furthermore, Nightingale House is the only care home, with nursing, in London to retain an Outstanding rating following a recent full inspection.

Melvin has also overseen the construction of the award winning Hammerson House, Wohl Campus, in Hampstead, which is highly regarded by its Residents, relatives and the community.  The Trustees would like to express their gratitude to Melvin for his years of dedication and support.

Joanne and Paul, with their complementary skill sets and experience as Trustees, are ideally placed to lead the organisation forward.  Their mission is to ensure that Nightingale Hammerson continues to offer outstanding care, a welcoming Jewish home, and a safe environment for Residents.

Joanne Black is a Director of the Regatta Group.  Whilst innovation has been a driving force within the business, integrity and people are at the heart of her work ethic.  Joanne is committed to the care of Residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being is paramount and upheld by a valued and motivated care team.  Joanne mixes a busy work life in Manchester and home in London, which she shares with her husband and two children.

Paul Althasen has set up and invested in various commercial enterprises within insurance, payment processing, property and e-commerce sectors.  Paul serves on several Boards and previously on the Advisory Board for Havens Hospice when they were undergoing a £16m capital fundraising to create a new Hospice facility in Essex.  Paul lives in North London and is married with a family.

Harvey Rosenblatt, President, Nightingale Hammerson said:

“For the past seven years Melvin has worked tirelessly as Chair of our charity, ensuring the successful opening of Hammerson House, Wohl Campus, and the provision of excellent care in our Homes. I am most grateful for his commitment and leadership. I look forward to supporting Joanne and Paul as our new Co-chairs and have every confidence they will succeed in building on Melvin’s achievements.”

Jenny Pattinson, CEO, Nightingale Hammerson said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Joanne and Paul as our new Co-chairs.  I know they will continue to guide our charity and ensure our Residents’ comfort, well-being, happiness, and safety are at the forefront of all we do.  With their professional expertise they will support and motivate our staff teams, empowering them to learn and develop.  A happy and motivated staff is crucial for delivering good care.”

Nightingale Hammerson serves the whole community with innovative care for older people, offering residential, nursing, dementia and palliative care in our homes, Nightingale House in Clapham and Hammerson House, Wohl Campus in Hampstead.  Our mission is to deliver care excellence and to enable our Residents to live with joy and comfort in a compassionate and safe community.