Award Win for Maria Mallaband Nursing Associate

A Maria Mallaband Care Group team member has been awarded a Nursing Associate of the Year award from Health Education England.

Jo Stokes was named Nursing Associate of the Year in a Community/ Primary Care setting by Health Education England’s North-West Nursing and Midwifery team.

The award was one of five made to Trainee Nursing Associates (TNAs) and Nursing Associates (NAs) in the region in recognition of their effort and contribution during the pandemic.

They were presented at a webinar event in early March, held to celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Trainee Nursing Associate/ Nursing Associate programme in the North-West.  

Mike McNamee, Professional Lead for Trainee/Nursing Associates, Health Education England – North-West, said: “I offer my congratulations to Jo on being nominated for and winning this award. The awards are a recognition of TNA/NA/Educator individuals who have worked tirelessly through the recent pandemic and continue to be role models for the profession and deliver excellent patient care.”

Jo qualified with distinction as a Nursing Associate (NA) following an Apprenticeship with Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG), one the UKs leading independent care providers, with more than 80s homes across the UK.

She has since been a pioneer, raising awareness and championing the role, and exploring its potential within the group through the newly created role of ‘Regional Nursing Associate’.

This innovative job sees her placed in homes across the North identifying issues and improving processes, practices, safety, clinical quality and governance. She also presents to MMCG managers to help them understand and maximise the NA role.

She is also MMCG’s TNA Advisor, supporting new TNAs within the group, as well as encouraging other colleagues to take up training and development opportunities, including the TNA apprenticeship. That work includes giving presentations at regular offsite inductions for MMCG new starters and sharing her story to inspire them.

In addition, Jo was previously made Nursing Associate Ambassador by Health Education England – a role which sees her raising awareness and representing the interests of Nursing Associates across health and social care and in the wider community.

An inspiration to all, Jo is known for always going above and beyond, and has done all of this while undergoing cancer treatment.

Jo said: “I am surprised and delighted to have received this award. I am so passionate about what I do, and about the incredible scope of the Nursing Associate role. I feel very proud to be among the Nursing Associate pioneers in the care sector, helping to carve a path for those that follow. I will keep working hard to bring all my learning and experience to bear to help us provide the best possible care for those living in our homes. And I want to continue to share my enthusiasm and positive experiences to encourage others to take up training opportunities and follow the TNA route as I have.”