The team at Stow Healthcare Group’s Stowlangtoft Hall Nursing Home in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, received a Chief Nurse Award in recognition of their work supporting student nurses on placement.

The award was given by England’s chief nurse for adult social care Professor Deborah Sturdy at a virtual presentation event attended by Lisa Nobes, chief nurse for the area.

The award was made following a nomination by the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board which worked closely with the home to support access for student nurses into social care as part of their training.

Over the past year, the team welcomed student nurses and nursing associates for close to 800 practice hours.

Sturdy said: “It was an honour to recognise the outstanding achievements of Stowlangtoft Hall in Suffolk, who have not only supported their nursing students exceptionally well but have also made significant contributions to the community.”

Sally Chilvers, home manager at Stowlangtoft Hall commented: “We were all taken aback to receive this award from Professor Sturdy.  It was particularly special to have with us on the day a graduate nurse who joined our team having come on placement here, and a student nurse who we are supporting in her final year placement. These nurses are the future of social care and we are proud to champion them.”

Alex Ball, who oversees workforce development for Stow Healthcare Group, and who received a Gold Award from the chief nurse for her own contribution said: “I am so proud of this recognition, both personally and for the team at Stowlangtoft Hall. We work hard to dispel the myths and promote rewarding careers in nursing and social care. To be nominated externally by our colleagues at the integrated care board is what makes this recognition all the more special.”