Alyx Sharkey, Registered Nurse, Caron Group
“I feel my job is very much a privilege caring for individuals at their most vulnerable stage in life”
Amy Rowlands is a Senior Nurse and Deputy Manager at Bryn Seiont Newydd (Pendine Park Care Organisation) in Caernarfon.
Having dedicated nearly 11 years to Bryn Seiont – progressing from carer to registered nurse and deputy manager – 33-year-old Amy provides leadership across a 107-resident dementia care facility. Her exceptional commitment has earned her a nomination for the Special Recognition Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Amy about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and day-to-day duties.
As Deputy Manager and Senior Nurse, I oversee daily care operations across our 107-bed service alongside our management team. My role involves managing complex admissions, leading clinical care plans, coordinating with multidisciplinary health teams, and supporting nursing and care staff.
What do you love most about your work?
Working alongside such a supportive team and making a difference to residents and their families. It is a true privilege to care for individuals during vulnerable stages of their lives, providing dignity and comfort.
Is there a standout moment from your career you will never forget?
Accompanying an 80-year-old resident up Mount Snowdon on her 80th birthday to fulfil a lifelong dream she had never been able to achieve!
What does this award nomination mean to you?
It reflects not only my passion for care, but allows me to give back to the team that supported me. Starting as a carer and progressing to nurse and deputy manager at Pendine Park has allowed me to flourish both personally and professionally.
Tell us a bit about you outside of work.
I’m a mum of two – Samuel (10) and Mila (2) – and have a wonderfully supportive partner, Andrew. Nursing runs in my blood – my grandfather was a trained RAF medic and nurse at Denbigh Hospital.
“My goal was simply to break down barriers in patient care, and it means the world to have this recognised.”
Based on Anglesey in North Wales, 50-year-old Ezelina Dacruz is a Clinical Lead Nurse at Glan Rhos Nursing Home (Quality Care (Wales) Ltd.).
Combining hands-on clinical care with independent nurse prescribing, Ezelina provides leadership across the nursing and care teams. Her dedicated clinical governance, antimicrobial stewardship, and commitment to person-centred care have earned her a nomination for the Special Recognition Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Ezelina 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.
I am a Clinical Lead Nurse, providing clinical leadership within the nursing home to ensure our residents receive safe, compassionate, and person-centred care. I act as a senior clinical point of contact on shift and provide professional leadership to the nursing and care teams. Alongside clinical oversight, I support team leadership, staff induction, supervisions, audits, and safeguarding to maintain an inclusive, high-quality care environment.
What do you love most about the job you do?
I value my role as a Clinical Lead Nurse because it enables me to provide direct patient care while leading initiatives that enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes within the nursing home. I also appreciate collaborating closely with multidisciplinary professionals, including GPs and Health Board staff, to review patient progress, address clinical challenges, and ensure care plans remain appropriate and effective.
Can you share an achievement or standout impact from your work?
Qualifying and practising as a nurse independent prescriber has made a significant difference to our residents. It has helped to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use through thorough bedside clinical assessments and the implementation of proactive antimicrobial stewardship protocols, ensuring residents receive prompt, tailored treatment directly within the home.
What does this nomination mean to you?
I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award. I am deeply grateful to my managers, Kim and Helen, for encouraging me to undertake the nurse independent prescriber qualification, funding the training, and supporting me throughout the course. When I agreed to do the training, my goal was simply to break down barriers in patient care, and it means the world to have that work recognised.
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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