Oake Manor near Taunton, was recently honoured with a Chief Executive's Commendation at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Awards.

This prestigious award was presented in recognition of the heroic efforts of the Oake Manor team who, in January 2024, saved the life of a local businessman and Rotary Club member who suffered a cardiac arrest on the golf course.

The commendation underscores family-owned Oake Manor's commitment to safety and emergency responsiveness, highlighted by nine members by their team being fully trained in first aid, defibrillation, and oxygen use.

The event, attended by Oake Manor duty managers Ginny Gillingham and Charlotte Bolton, and general manager Steve Purchase, along with approximately 200 other guests including the High Sheriffs of Somerset, Devon, and Dorset, celebrated Oake Manor’s important contribution to community health. Including having two on-site defibrillators, with the second recently added on the golf course, to ensure broader coverage across the enyire site.

The incident that led to the commendation involved the quick action of the team and effective use of the on-site defibrillator, a vital tool that Oake Manor had installed to safeguard guests, members, and staff alike.

This life-saving event has spurred further safety initiatives at Oake Manor, including visual information on site to raise awareness about the signs of cardiac arrest and the critical importance of timely intervention.

Their efforts were further supported by members of The Acorn Golf Society, who organized a charity golf day that raised £4375 for the Devon Air Ambulance who attended the emergency in January.