Nightingale chief executive Leon Smith is celebrating this week as he marks his 35th year working at the South London care home — making him one of the longest-serving professionals in the community.

Mr Smith joined the staff at the Clapham care home in 1973 as a member of the junior management team. He became involved in the transformation of the home from one where residents were living in large open dormitories to today’s home where there are en-suite private rooms.

He worked his way up through the management team and was appointed chief executive in January 1998, making him one of the longest-serving chief executives in the Jewish community voluntary sector with responsibility for Nightingale’s £13m annual budget, alongside the care of its 250 residents and 370 staff.

Harvey Rosenblatt, Nightingale chairman, said: “The trustees join me in congratulating Leon upon reaching this amazing milestone. Nightingale would not be the centre of excellence it is today without him.”

Mr Smith told the JC: “I have been fortunate to be part of an incredible success story and I am extremely proud that Nightingale this year was awarded the top three-star ranking from the Commission for Social Care Inspection.”