Manager recognised for commitment to care

A care group is celebrating after a senior staff member was given one of the highest accolades in the profession.

Marisa Spice, learning and development manager at Nellsar, a family-run group of 13 care homes throughout Kent, Surrey and Essex, has been given the prestigious The Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Award for Outstanding Service for her contribution to nursing care.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) Awards celebrate those committed to high standards of practice and patient-centred care.

Recognised for her high level of commitment to resident care and nursing practice, Spice received the accolade during a recent online awards ceremony which included a pre-recorded speech from the Prince of Wales.

She was commended for her commitment to the principles of excellent nursing care to the benefit of Nellsar’s residents, and the ability to demonstrate an outstanding contribution to both residents and the profession over and above the normal call of duty. In addition, she was praised for showing passion and enthusiasm for nursing.

“I’m so proud and honoured to receive this incredible accolade," she says ."Having worked in social care for over 15 years, my career has provided me with so many rewarding experiences and this is something I continue to value now. I have always enjoyed learning more about how to help others and this is for all people; residents, staff, families, health and social care professionals and also other suppliers and providers I work or network with.”

Her nursing career began in 1995 and includes substantial time working in intensive care before joining social care in Mallorca, Spain. Her nine years abroad saw her employed in various roles including nurse, clinical coordinator and nursing home manager.

Having enjoyed a variety of roles with Nellsar since 2013, from registered nurse to operations and compliance manager, Spice now specialises in learning and development of the care group’s staff teams.

Over the past four years, she has been involved with a number of Skills for Care developments, including contributing towards the ‘Deployment of qualified registered nursing associates in social care settings guide’ in 2021.

Outside of work, she has been fostering children for over two years and is currently supporting a seven-year-old boy. She has trained to support children and young people with complex emotional, psychological and behavioural needs.

Martin Barrett, managing director at Nellsar, says: “We are so proud of Marisa and the dedication and commitment she continuously delivers to those around her. She is a true credit to the team and nurses everywhere.”

You may also be interested in…