Manchester nurse, 75, wins national care award after working 60-hour weeks during pandemic

A 75-year-old nursing superstar from Manchester has been named the winner of a prestigious care award, after working 60-hour weeks throughout the pandemic. 

Gladys Nkhola, from Hulme, works at independent hospital Monet Lodge and was recognised by the Markel Third Sector Care Awards for her amazing contribution to compassion in nursing.

Monet Lodge, which is located in Withington, provides residential care and support for people living with complex dementia or mental health conditions.

She has nursed at Monet Lodge, which is operated by national adult health and social care charity Making Space, since 2004, after moving to the UK from South Africa back in 2002.

Gladys has been dual qualified as an RGN and an RMN since 1976.

According to the judges, the award recognises someone who conducts tireless and unwavering work to ensure those around them feel safe, respected and dignified.

Gladys chose to qualify as a nurse in South Africa after watching her 48-year-old mother pass away from a heart attack in front of her when she was just 23.

Despite being in an at risk category herself, she has taken on two extra night shifts a week during the pandemic to cover for staff who are isolating.

Switching to taxis rather than taking the bus to reduce the risk of her bringing coronavirus to residents has been her only change during the coronavirus crisis.

Joby Raju, clinical lead at Monet Lodge, said: “With both her age and her Black South African heritage putting her clearly in a risk group herself, she has been utterly selfless throughout the pandemic.

“Gladys has dedicated her life as a nurse to the care of others. At 75, she continues to work tirelessly and compassionately, night after night, to ensure that the patients in her care receive the absolute best care that they deserve.

“She has an inherent sense of humanity, compassion, love and understanding. Her clinical knowledge is vast and she is a great motivator and leader. Working on shift with Gladys, staff always learn something new.

“Gladys always has a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye and nothing, absolutely nothing, is too much trouble for her.”

Hospital manager Mark Edwards added: “When Gladys reached 75, I arranged to talk to her and when I did, she was terrified that I was going to ask her to retire! When in fact, she wanted a conversation to reassure her that as long as she was fit and healthy, wished to and was able to continue working, then we would welcome her at Monet Lodge to do so.

“She was so relieved.”

The awards were announced during a live online celebration, co-hosted by Dame Esther Rantzen and her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox.

Incredibly, Gladys is also in the running for five other Great British Care Awards. Good luck!