A HAMPSHIRE County Council care assistant in Winchester has been named Britain’s Best Care Home worker.

Gill Clements, won the accolade at the Great British Care Awards for caring for elderly and vulnerable residents.

Gill who has worked at Westholme residential and nursing home on Harestock Road, Harestock, for four years, qualified for the national award after beating 4,000 other entrants to win the regional awards last November.

The national final, hosted by Care England, brought together the winners from the nine regional Great British Care Awards.

Gill said: “I am so thrilled to have been successful in winning the National Care Home Worker of the Year Award.

“I love my work in caring for our residents. We have such a great team at Westholme, so it’s wonderful to have good news to share about all that we do well. The award feels like a pat on the back for all of us!”

Cllr Liz Fairhurst, county council executive member for adult social care and health, said: “Once again, I have cause to be proud of the wonderful work of our care staff and I’m delighted by Gill’s success. Many people don’t consider the importance of care homes or people who work in them until they have to - either because they or a loved one needs care.

“Awards like this serve to reinforce how important the care profession is, and the contribution of those within it, to society.”

The judges said: “Gill’s proactive approach to person-centred care shines through.”

They added: “She is dedicated to improving the lives of the residents and has infectious enthusiasm and passion. Her philosophy is to allow people to be who they have been.

“An inspirational care home worker.”