A "SPECTACULAR" staff member from Barry has been put forward for a top award by colleagues at Springbank Nursing Home.

Despite a role that operates mainly behind the scenes, Janet Blythe is considered to be the very heart of the Barry establishment where she has worked for a decade.

The 68-year-old administrator is a favourite with staff and residents alike for her open and friendly manner, along with first-rate organisational skills.

Senior managers at the College Road home have nominated Janet for an Outstanding Service award in the annual Wales Care Awards.

Janet said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be nominated. When I was first told I couldn’t understand why because I always thought that to win one of these things you had to do something pretty spectacular along the way.

“But my manager said, ‘Janet, you do something spectacular every day.’”

The Wales Care Awards, run by Care Forum Wales, acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector, culminating in a glittering ceremony at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, October 24.

Home Manager at Springbank, Simon Trehearne-Teague, explained why Janet was truly deserving of such an honour.

He said: “Janet always greets people with a smile and a warm, friendly greeting and people often refer to her as ‘the heart of Springbank’.

“Despite having two knee replacements, Janet is determined to ensure that the service residents and their families receive is of a gold standard.

“Without the hard and committed work from Janet the home would not be the same.”

Janet came to work at the home when her daughter was manager there and has relished her role at Springbank.

She said: “I love it. I’m passionate about it. I love the people and I really want it to be good and to feel homely and for everyone to feel that they know me and can come and talk to me about anything.

“We all care so much what happens to our residents and alongside the administrative work I hold group sessions for the families which is such an important part of things.

“It can be a very stressful time having loved ones in a home. There’s always an element of guilt, and it’s good for them to talk to other people who feel the same. I always wanted to be a part of that side of things.”

Janet is a finalist for the award in the Outstanding Service category, sponsored by Hallmark Care Homes, and will have to wait until October 24 to find out if she is the winning candidate.