The manager of an Outstanding rated care home in Suffolk has received a coveted national award from the chief nurse for social care.

Sally Chilvers of Stow Healthcare’s Stowlangtoft Hall received the Gold Award from Professor Deborah Sturdy.

The Chief Nurse Awards, launched in 2021 to mirror the awards for nursing in the NHS, recognise exceptional practice and care within the sector. 

Chilvers, who has been in nursing for 40 years, was presented with her award by Professor Sturdy during a virtual ceremony.

“I had absolutely no idea,” she said. “I was busily taking notes when Professor Sturdy suddenly started talking about me and I had to do a double take!  To receive the Gold Award is something I am beyond proud of, and I am so proud of my team and residents at Stowlangtoft Hall who make coming to work such a pleasure each day.”

Director of Stowlangtoft Hall Ruth French, who oversees the Stow Healthcare Group and who nominated Chilvers for her award, said: “I wanted Sally’s warmth and humanity to be recognised nationally.  The passion she puts into making Stowlangtoft Hall a special place for everyone who lives and works there is a joy to see, and her commitment to social care over 40 years is to be applauded.”