A nurse manager has been recognised with a top award from England’s chief nurse for adult social care.
Jemma Sharratt was presented with the Chief Adult Social Care Gold Award in recognition of her leadership skills, expertise, and compassion in caring for older people, including those living with dementia.
Ms Sharratt, who currently leads a team of seven nurses at the Belong care centre in Atherton, Lancashire, was presented the award by chief nurse for adult social care in England,
Belong is a not-for-profit organisation, operating care villages with a range of housing and support options for older people.
Its approach follows a ‘household model’ which sees small cohorts of people living together in an ‘extended family-sized’ setting.
In receiving her award, Ms Sharratt has been recognised for her ‘instrumental role’ in developing career pathways for student nurses and through introducing the trainee nurse associate role at the organisation.
She is also leading the development of ‘ground-breaking’ guidance around the administration of liquid medication for residents.
Professor Sturdy said: ‘Jemma’s practice development work is heartening to see, and equally, a first-hand experience of the household model was inspiring.
‘The subtle and sensitive approach and personalised, tailored interactions were so well crafted. Belong is very much an organisation that ‘walks the talk’ when it comes to leading care provision.’
Meanwhile, Ms Sharratt said: ‘I am honoured to do the work I do but to be recognised by Deborah Sturdy is truly remarkable.
‘I love my job and really relish the opportunity to introduce new students to the rewards of working in a social care setting.’
The chief nurses’ social care awards were launched in 2021 to recognise the ‘outstanding contributions’ made by social care nurses in England.
