Welshpool woman Nurse Of The Year

A Welshpool woman has been named Care Nurse Of The Year at the National Care Awards.

Pauline Taylor, the daughter of Kevin Taylor and Diana Cork, is head of care at Badgeworth Court Care Centre in Cheltenham and received the national award to celebrate her hard work and was recognised for showing "exceptional ability in providing long-term quality care".
 

She is a former pupil of Ardwyn Infants School, Maesydre, and Welshpool High School before going on to study at Birmingham University. Pauline previously worked at Rhallt Nursing home in Welshpool.

In May, she was promoted to head of care at the 27-bedroom elderly unit. "I have always wanted to do elderly care, that is my main passion," she said.

"We look after a lot of elderly people that have come to the end of their lives." She added: "I have been told I go above and beyond in my job. I am always trying to do that little bit extra to help the residents."

After being nominated by general manager Terri Berry, Pauline got through to the finals pitted against four other contenders. She had to go to an interview in London and impressed the panel with her dedication to helping people and their families through a difficult time.

"I have to help people make the transition from home to nursing home. It is the last thing anyone wants to do," she said. "Many people feel abandoned in the beginning, but I help them to realise this is like coming to a whole new extended family.

"I like to make them feel valued and people come in for end-of-life care so it is important to make sure they spend quality time with their family. You only have one chance to get it right."

The National Care Awards, sponsored by Caring Times, are recognised as the number one awards event for long-term care, promoting excellence in the care industry.

Comedian Brian Conley presented Pauline with her award at the gala night at the London Hilton Metropole Hotel.

Pauline said: "He presented all the awards and I got to meet him. He was very funny and told a few jokes."

General manager Terri Berry said it was a well-deserved achievement. "Badgeworth is committed to providing high-quality care for our residents and this award demonstrates how our staff strive to go above and beyond the call of duty."

 She worked at the Rhallt in welshpool before being transfered to Badgeworth court, which is also a Barchester nursing home in Cheltenham.