A senior care assistant at a Bromsgrove care home has won a prestigious prize at the Great British Care Awards. 

Burcot Grange and Lodge, a member of the Berkley Care Group, nominated Joanne Lowndes for the Dignity in Care Award due to her exceptional leadership skills within the team. 

The panel at the Great British Care Awards praised Ms Lowndes profound passion and described her commitment to end-of-life care and respect for individuals' wishes as "remarkable". 

General manager of Burcot Grange and Lodge, Vicky Osbourne, said: "We are incredibly proud of Jo for winning the Dignity in Care Award. Jo's dedication to providing compassionate care is a shining example of the ethos we all share."

Ms Lowndes started as an ancillary staff member before quickly establishing herself as a compassionate and dedicated professional who has risen from care assistant to become a senior carer. 

She was also instrumental in supporting her colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic and initiated the 'Be Kind' campaign to create a peer support network for those facing mental health challenges. 

Residents frequently express their gratitude to Ms Lowndes for her empathy and personal gestures. 

Ms Osbourne added: "Her initiative, empathy, and unwavering commitment to our residents and staff, especially during challenging times, have been nothing short of remarkable.

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions and unwavering contribution to our community.”