JANET Blythe, a spectacular member of staff at Springbank Nursing Home in Barry, has been recognised with a bronze accolade at the annual Wales Care Awards.

Janet is considered the heart of the establishment and received the award at City Hall, Cardiff, which is run by Care Forum Wales and sponsored by Barclays Bank.

She was honoured in the Outstanding Service category, sponsored by Hallmark Care Homes.

The 68 year old administrator who looks after resident finances, agency invoices, maintenance reports and much more was put forward by colleagues, including manager Simon Trehearne-Teague, who describe her as open, friendly and exceptionally organised.

Janet said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. When I was first told I had been nominated 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.’”

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

“She provides a safe harbour for the families of all residents in the home and runs regular families’ meetings where people can meet each other, discuss their own experiences and share the burden of having a relative in a care setting.

“Janet also ensures that behind the scenes the home runs efficiently with her excellent organisational skills, always making sure information is available when needed.”

Janet does all of her work to an excellent standard despite suffering her own health problems as Simon explains: “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 said: “I love my job. 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 are 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.”