Former Selston care home chief is new head of nursing and development at care group
Anita Astle MBE has been appointed head of nursing and development at Church Farm Care, which operates five care homes across the county.
The appointment will see Anita – who operated as managing director of Wren Hall Care Home in Selston for 35 years before it was acquired by the Church Farm Care group – work alongside Liz Norton, head of training and development, and Toby Parr, head of operations.
The new role sees Anita tasked with leading and developing Church Farm’s nursing provision, supporting the continued progression of its teams.
After qualifying as a registered nurse in 1984, Anita began her career in the NHS, specialising in burns and plastic surgery nursing.
She later moved into adult social care, going on to play a major role in the management of Wren Hall, her family’s nursing home in Selston.
Founded in 1989 by her parents, Wren Hall was later led for more than three decades by Anita, where she was widely recognised for her passion for workforce development, her commitment to creating meaningful career pathways in social care and raising the profile of social care nursing.
Under her stewardship, it evolved from a family-run home into a highly regarded provider known for its relationship-led, person-centred dementia care, before becoming part of the Church Farm Care group.
Patrick Atkinson, director at Church Farm Care, said: “This is a major appointment for the group, which reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening our specialist nursing offer and ensuring our teams feel supported to grow and thrive.”
“Anita brings with her an exceptional depth of experience across both nursing and adult social care.
"We know she will play a vital role in advancing the excellent work already being delivered across our homes and in supporting our continued journey towards achieving Outstanding status.”
Anita said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role at such an important point in Church Farm Care’s journey.
"For me, this is about creating meaningful opportunities for people working in social care, championing continuous professional development and ensuring nursing remains a visible, valued and ambitious career path within the sector.
"I am very much looking forward to working closely with Patrick and the wider team at Church Farm Care, as we build on the strong foundations already in place across the group.”