Yorkshire nurse named National Registered Nurse of the Year
Joy Pickles, from The Dales Care Home in Draughton, won the national title at the Barchester Care Awards after almost 6,000 nominations were submitted
A nurse at a care home in North Yorkshire has been named National Registered Nurse of the Year at a national awards ceremony.
Joy Pickles, who works at The Dales Care Home in Draughton, received the title at the Barchester Care Awards 2026 on October 29.
She was selected from hundreds of nominees in the registered nurse category, with almost 6,000 nominations submitted across Barchester Healthcare's 272 care homes and hospitals.
The awards recognise staff working across the organisation, with categories including Carer of the Year, Dementia Care Champion and Activities Coordinator of the Year.
Roisin Doyle, general manager at The Dales, said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of her.
“She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at The Dales when I say we are all very proud of Joy and so lucky to have her as part of our team.”
Dr Pete Calveley, executive chair of Barchester Healthcare, said the awards were an opportunity to recognise the work of staff across the organisation.
He said: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year.”