A NEW dad who juggles interrupted family nights with a second family of elderly care home residents, has been shortlisted for a national care industry award.

Stephen Ivins, of Barry, is a maintenance and health and safety officer at Romilly Nursing Home in Cardiff.

He works around the clock to ensure his residents have the best living environment possible – including personalising the décor of their bedrooms to create a home-from-home.

The 42-year-old - often called out of his bed in the middle of the night to fix unforeseen maintenance problems - has had more interrupted nights since son Brodie Ivins was born 16 months ago.

But the long hours and devotion have proved worth it now that the first-time dad has been nominated for one of the care industry’s most celebrated accolades.

Mr Ivins has been nominated for the Social Care Health and Safety Award, at the Care Forum Wales Awards.

They acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector and are regarded as the industry ‘Oscars’.

He will attend the awards ceremony at City Hall, in Cardiff, on October 21.

Mr Ivins has worked at the home for eight years and has responsibility for all aspects of site management including health and safety, maintenance and fire safety.

His colleagues have said they are convinced he has a ‘magic cupboard’ full of homely ornaments and interior flourishes to create whatever bedroom environment is desired by residents.

Mr Ivins said: “When you decorate the rooms and put all the things they find nice and comforting and personal, it’s very rewarding.

“It’s the small things that make them happy. I’ve gone to get personal watches fixed, take blood samples to the surgery, you name it. It’s quite a wide ranging job.

“I’m quite excited about being nominated. It’s nice to be recognised for what you do and we do work very hard.”

He said his work-life balance was a juggling act, but he thoroughly enjoys the job.

“I’ve had call outs at 3am," he added. "The last time it happened, my son luckily stayed asleep. I’ve had other phone calls where I’ve woken the whole house up but luckily my partner is very good and understanding.

“All the residents and staff know me as ‘Bob’ and have me on speed dial from the doctors to the managers. My phone goes about 100 times a day and you have to prioritise the work but I usually get there.”

Kate Stephens, registered manager of the home, who nominated him, said: “Steve works tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors to the home is at the forefront of their daily lives, often working additional hours without complaining and always with a smile.”