A NURSING home manager from Farnham has scooped a coveted prize at the Surrey Care Awards after judges praised her “warmth and empathy”.

Carla Dixon-Peart, manager of Ashton Manor Nursing Home in Wrecclesham, was named Manager of the Year at this year’s Surrey Care Awards, while the entire Ashton Manor team also reached the final of the Care Team of the Year prize.

Not only were the Ashton Manor staff keen to nominate Carla, but it was the residents and their next of kin who suggested that she was put forward.

The Surrey Care Awards are the ‘Oscars’ for the adult social care industry in Surrey. It is an opportunity to celebrate publicly, the achievements of those who work in the sector.

Winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at Epsom Downs Race Course.

Carla said: “I was thrilled to win the award. It recognises the achievement and dedication of all my wonderful team at Ashton Manor – I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The judges commented on her nomination: “Excellence in care delivery is paramount for Carla. Her warmth and empathy and her open door policy have contributed to the increase in visits by relatives, many of whom comment that the atmosphere feels like a family home.”

They noted that her outstanding interpersonal skills and sunny personality pervaded the home. She proactively seeks the views of residents, staff and health care professionals to help improve the quality of care. Her focus is to encourage staff throughout the home to develop their own careers.

As one relative commented: “Carla has given me peace of mind. She had made a big difference to my father’s anxiety and his quality of life. She’s one in a million.”

Susan Guring, Ashton Manor assistant manager, added: “I feel fortunate to have this chance to work with Carla and have her as my mentor. She is supporting, encouraging and provides me with the opportunities and tools to progress further.”

Ashton Manor Nursing Home, in Beales Lane, is owned by Beritaz Care, a family-owned care group based in Farnham.

Mr A Gnanakumar, the owner of Beritaz Care, said: “We are delighted that Carla won the Manager of the Year Award and that our care team made it through to the finals of the SCA Awards.

“Ashton Manor is a very special place, Carla is passionate about delivering the best of care as well as empowering and supporting her team to develop their careers.

The whole Ashton Manor team, is committed to providing the high level of care and support that they would want for their own relatives.”