Anamaria Lascar – Nurse at Hallmark Luxury Care Homes
“For me, nursing is about treating every resident with the same kindness and respect I would want for my own family.”
Doreen ‘Dottie’ Gilbert is a Clinical Lead Nurse at My Choice Healthcare Ltd.
Originally from Liverpool, 57-year-old Dottie brings high clinical standards, deep warmth, and a family-first philosophy to nursing home care. Her clinical expertise and compassionate leadership have earned her a nomination for the Independent Nurse of the Year Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Dottie about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
As Clinical Lead Nurse, I oversee the clinical care of our residents while mentoring and guiding nursing colleagues. I work closely with residents and their families to ensure care plans are safe, dignified, and person-centred. For me, nursing is about treating every resident with the same kindness and respect I would want for my own family.
What do you love most about nursing?
The people! I feel privileged to build deep relationships with residents, supporting them through both joyful and difficult moments. Knowing that a quiet chat, a holding hand, or clinical support brings peace to someone is incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a standout moment from your work?
Supporting a resident who had lived independently at home prior to moving into our nursing home. The transition was emotionally overwhelming for them, and they felt deeply deflated. I made a point to spend dedicated time with them every day, listening to their fears, personalising their room, and supporting their independence. Over time, their spirit returned, and seeing them smile and feel at home was unforgettable.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
Being nominated means a great deal. Nursing is my passion, and putting my heart into work every day and having that recognised by my peers is deeply humbling.
How do you like to spend your time away from work?
Family is everything to me, especially my two grandchildren. I feel incredibly lucky to spend time with them, watch them grow and create precious memories together. The love, laughter and special moments we share are things I treasure deeply.
I also have three lovely dogs who bring so much happiness into my life.
My family and dogs remind me every day of the importance of kindness, compassion, making memories and being there for the people who matter most. These are values I carry with me into my work in social care.
“Interacting with service users daily, having friendly chats, and delivering truly individualised care is what I love most.”
Paul Morgan is a Registered Nurse at Shaw Healthcare’s Dan Y Bryn facility in Cardiff.
Specialising in physical disability care, 40-year-old Paul combines technical clinical skill with person-centred care. His calm demeanour and expert clinical interventions have earned him a nomination for the Independent Nurse of the Year Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Paul about what motivates him in his role, and what this nomination means to him;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
I work directly with service users living with complex physical disabilities, including Multiple Sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, and strokes. My shift duties include administering medications, managing enteral feeding, performing complex wound care, monitoring vital health metrics, and coordinating external medical support.
What do you love most about your job?
Interacting with service users daily, having friendly chats, and delivering person-centered care. I also love working alongside the supportive nursing team at Dan Y Bryn.
What was a standout moment in your recent work?
The primary moment that led to my nomination was when a service user’s PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) feeding tube accidentally dislodged. I liaised directly with a specialist nurse over the phone, who guided me through the procedure to re-insert the tube safely and promptly, avoiding an emergency hospital admission for the resident.
What does this nomination mean to you?
It was a complete surprise. It’s wonderful to be nominated, but I couldn’t do my job without the amazing team around me.
Tell us a bit about your personal interests
I love listening to 60s and 70s music, home-brewing cider and mead, countryside jogging, and step aerobics! I’m very close to my family in Cardiff and Swindon.
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The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate excellence across the social care sector in Wales.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations across a range of categories, celebrating the dedication, compassion, innovation and professionalism of those working in social care.
For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact: Rhian Richards Mobile: 07904965709 Email: rhianrelewis@gmail.com