Fernihurst manager Kathryn wins prestigious national care accolade! 

There were beaming smiles galore when the much-loved manager of Sanctuary Care's Fernihurst Nursing Home Exmouth scooped a national care accolade.

On (Tuesday 12 October) Kathryn Pattison was delighted to be named the Registered Manager of the Year (South) in the Care Home Professional Leaders in Care Awards 2022, following a surprise nomination by her team.

Following the ceremony, at Birmingham’s National Conference Centre, she said: “I feel so shocked, surprised and emotional to have won – I am still in shock! It’s an absolute privilege and an honour.”

Kathryn has been a nurse for 40 years and has been the manager at Fernihurst, a nursing home for people living with dementia and nursing needs, for four years.

She was nominated for the way she empowers every member of her team to engage their residents with truly meaningful and person-centred activities. Like maintenance man Kevin Hartnoll, who has created a special workshop where he spends time doing woodwork with the residents and chef Ruaan Prins, who devotes time to engaging the residents with food-related activities.

Another highlight was her passion for ensuring her residents and their loved ones have a very active role in how Fernihurst is run. Whether choosing furnishings or chairing menu and activity planning meetings, they are at the forefront of decision making and Kathryn wouldn’t have it any other way!

Hollie Prowse, who has worked at the Sanctuary Care home for 21 years, 11 as a nurse and three as the deputy manager said: "Fernihurst is full of beaming smiles after hearing the news of Kathryn's win - we are so happy for her! She is a phenomenal and inspirational home manager who is devoted to enriching the lives of our residents, their loved ones and the team here and we just couldn't be prouder."

For more about life at Fernihurst, or any of Sanctuary Care’s homes in Devon, please call our Enquiry Support Team on 0800 917 0478.