TODAY we’re delighted to announce the finalists in the fifth annual South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards, held in association with Western Power Distribution.

Every year we ask our readers to tell us about people who have looked after them in an exceptional way, and we’ve had a tremendous response.

After a year like 2021, it will come as no surprise to learn that there have been scores of entries for our 14 categories, with judges having a tough job in choosing the finalists.

“As far as we’re concerned, everybody working in the health and care sectors is a hero,” says the editor of the South Wales Argus Gavin Thompson.

“We hold the health & care awards to shine a light on their vital work and honour people both at an individual and team level: they are the beating heart of our communities.

“We want to celebrate all those who have risen to the challenge of the past few months; overcoming adversity and showing tremendous strength, courage compassion and tenacity.”

Some of the UK’s best-known doctors will be getting ready to congratulate the finalists and winners of the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards during a glittering online ceremony on Thursday, December 16.

Heading the multitude of medics is broadcaster Dr Dawn Harper, who will be our host for the evening.

She will be joined by her Embarrassing Bodies co-star Dr Pixie McKenna, together with Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones MBE for the health and care awards ceremony, which will be broadcast on the South Wales Argus Facebook page from 7pm.

Other household names putting in an appearance will include Radio 1’s resident doctor Dr Radha Modgil, Holby City’s Joe McFadden, Clive Mantle and Dawn Steele, and Alan Fletcher, who plays Neighbours GP Karl Kennedy.

The awards are also being supported by big names in the health service, including Dr Frank Atherton, the Chief Medical Officer in Wales, and Richard Jones MBE, chairman of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales.

Don’t miss out on the online event of the year: The South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards will be streamed live at facebook.com/southwalesargus at 7pm on Thursday December 16 and will be available afterwards on the Argus website and YouTube. Those tuning in do not need a Facebook profile or account.

Please join us in congratulating the finalists and winners of each category and making them feel special and appreciated.

South Wales Argus: logo

All the finalists

Care Hero, sponsored by Freemasons of Monmouthshire:

  • Dr Charlotte Keigwin, Court Road Surgery, Barry;
  • Kirby Nicklin, Ty Mair Care Home, Llanelli;
  • Older Adult Psychiatric Liaison Team, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB).

Care Home Worker, sponsored by Western Power Distribution:

  • Kirby Nicklin, Ty Mair Care Home, Llanelli;
  • Amy Garfoot, Ty Mair;
  • Julie Lanchester-Harding, Ty Coch Nursing Home, Llanishen.

Health Care Employer, supported by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board:

  • Arian Care, Newport;
  • Claremont Court Care Home, Newport.

Health Care Trainer, sponsored by Nuffield Health:

  • Priory Nursing and Convalescent Home, Llandogo, Adriana Ltd;
  • Practice Educators, ABUHB;
  • Christine Hoggins, Neurophysiology Department, ABUHB.

Domiciliary Care Worker Award, sponsored by Newport City Council:

  • Jenna Shier, Bluebird Care Newport and South Monmouthshire;
  • Home Instead, Newport;
  • Bluebird Care, Pontypoool & Ebbw Vale.

Excellence in Nursing Care, sponsored by Royal College of Nursing:

  • Claire Davey, Aber Medical Centre, Abertridwr;
  • Carla Pewtner, district nurse with ABUHB;
  • Max Chard, palliative care, ABUHB.

Dementia Carer, sponsored by Tovey Bros:

  • Older Adult Psychiatric Liaison Team, ABUHB;
  • The Priory Nursing and Convalescent Home, Llandogo;
  • Simon Griffiths, Bluebird Care, Newport.

Adolescent and Child Health Care, sponsored by Coleg Gwent:

  • Jill Bowen and Jonathan Pearce, Hospice of the Valleys;
  • Rachel Lawrence and the Inspire 2 Achieve Team, Blaenau Gwent.

Palliative/End of Life:

  • Dr David John Millar-Jones, Oak Street Surgery, Cwmbran;
  • Trina Goulding and Sherrie Jones, ND Care & Support, part of the New Directions Group;
  • St David’s Hospice Care, Hospice at Home and Clinical Nurse Specialist Teams.

Mental Health, sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society:

  • Beechwood Ward, ABUHB;
  • Hafen Deg Ward, ABUHB;
  • Older Adult Psychiatric Liaison Team, ABUHB.

GP Practice of the Year, sponsored by St Joseph’s Hospital:

  • Cwmbran Village Surgery;
  • St David’s Clinic, Belle Vue Terrace, Newport;
  • Beechwood Surgery, Newport.

Innovation in Patient Care in the Private Health Sector:

  • Rutherford Cancer Centre;
  • St Joseph’s Hospital Day Surgery Team led by Jo Swan;
  • Advanced Diagnostic Team at St Joseph’s Hospital.

Private Healthcare Staff Member of the Year:

  • Lee Elmer at The Priory Nursing and Convalescent Home;
  • Rachel Ward, Spire Health Care;
  • Benny Lawton, St Joseph’s Hospital.

Excellence in Customer Care in the Private Health Care Sector:

  • Bridge Dental Care;
  • Hazel Tiller, radiology nurse at St Joseph’s Hospital.

Pharmacy of the Year, sponsored by the Museum of Military Medicine:

  • Vida Rogers, Fleur de Lys, Blackwood;
  • Pearn’s Pharmacies, Newbridge;
  • Pontnewydd Pharmacy.