A CARE home manager has been acknowledged as one of the country’s top mental health nurses at a national award ceremony in London.

Katherine Matthews, who manages Perry Manor in Worcester took second place in the British Journal of Nursing (BNJ) Awards, designed to recognise the very highest levels of nursing in the country.

The awards were open to thousands of nurses and the Mental Health Nurse of the Year was one of the most hotly contested categories.

Katherine said: “I was very honoured to reach the finals and delighted when the judges called my name.

“My team works incredibly hard to ensure our residents receive the best care and they share this award with me. I’m very pleased that my training in mental health has enabled us to create a home that genuinely supports people, many of who live with dementia, to have a fulfilled and happy life.”

Commenting on the accolade, Care UK’s most senior nurse, Rachel Gilbert, the director of care, quality and governance said: “This award is important because it helps raise the profile of care home management as a fantastic career option for nurses. All too often nurses working in homes are overlooked in favour of those working in hospitals so it’s fantastic to see Katherine carrying off this trophy.

Perry Manor has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC and inspectors highlighted Katherine’s management.