NOMINATIONS ARE being sought for the State’s best nursing homes as part of an annual competition being run by Nursing Homes Ireland. The organisation is hoping to honour the care and hard work carried out in nursing homes with nine care awards including best nursing home director, nurse of the year, ancillary worker of the year, and carer of the year.
Prizes will also be awarded for social and recreational programmes in nursing homes, for catering, community initiative and innovation. There will also be a special achievement award for residents.
The purpose of the awards is to promote best practice within the nursing home sector and to pay tribute to individuals who demonstrate outstanding excellence and dedication. Over 20,000 people are employed in the private and voluntary nursing home sector.
The awards are in their third year and entries will be judged by a six-member panel chaired by Prof Brendan McCormack, president of the All-Ireland Gerontological Nurses Association and professor of nursing research and practice development at the Institute of Nursing Research, University of Ulster.
Prof McCormack said the care awards were a hugely important vehicle for celebrating excellence in nursing home care and showcasing it to the world. “This is my third year to lead the judging panel in the selection of the award winners across all categories and it is safe to say that the experience is truly one to celebrate and to make one proud of working with older people and colleagues in long-term care,” he said. Closing date for entries is Friday, July 27th. For nomination forms, see nhicareawards.ie
