Worcester care home manager shortlisted for national award

A manager of a care home in Worcester has been nominated for a prestigious accolade.

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Care UK’s Perry Manor on Charles Hastings Way, has been named a finalist for mental health nurse of the year at the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2026.

She began her traditional nursing route in 1996, working in hospitals for 11 years before moving into a care home setting and joining Perry Manor later in her career in 2017 as a registered manager with a clear focus on mental health.

After making such a strong impact, a nominator at Perry Manor completed a detailed application for this award on Katherine’s behalf, outlining her contribution to mental health nursing and the positive effect her work has had on residents at the care home.

Katherine said: “I’m incredibly proud to be shortlisted for mental health nurse of the year.

“Here at Perry Manor, we’re committed to giving hope to some of the most vulnerable people and their families, and that’s helped us earn a reputation for excellence with local commissioners as a preferred provider.

“There are a lot of negative misconceptions about care settings, but moving into a care home doesn’t mean losing quality of life or opportunity, so I’m extremely pleased that this is being recognised at a national level. 

“I’m now looking forward to the awards – fingers crossed for a win!”

The BJN Awards celebrate excellence in nursing practice and research, recognising outstanding achievements across the nursing community. The ceremony will take place on Friday 20^th March at BMA House in London.

Shilpa Odedra, Customer Relations Manager at Perry Manor, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Katherine and delighted her hard work has been recognised. 

“Katherine is an adaptable and forward-thinking care home manager who has created a home for residents and workplace for staff where, no matter the challenge, everyone is listened to and supported with empathy and sensitivity. 

“This is no more evident than in the dementia suite, which offers a home to residents who struggle to be understood and have been failed in a traditional setting. 

“Thanks to Katherine, our model focuses on understanding need, providing structure and purpose, strengthening relationships between residents, families and staff, and continually reviewing the effectiveness of our care.”

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the home is designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives. It has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.