Hero nurse Gladys up for five awards
HULME CARER, 75, WORKS WITH DEMENTIA PATIENTS
AS heroes of the pandemic go, there are few more deserving of the accolade than nurse Gladys Nkhola.
The 75-year-old cares for people with advanced dementia and mental health conditions at Monet Lodge in Withington.
Despite being vulnerable to the virus herself, Gladys has stuck with her patients and colleagues throughout the crisis, even taking on extra night shifts.
Caring for people with dementia is Gladys’ passion, and she believes they deserve the ‘very best’ care.
“There were other nurses shielding with underlying health conditions,” says Gladys.
“I was among them and at 75 years old I should have been shielding according to my age.
“But I don’t have any underlying health conditions and at the time I was healthy.
“They needed someone to do night shifts, they assessed me and I said I would do it.”
South Africaborn Gladys, who’s been nursing for 40 years, agreed to take taxis to work instead of the bus to reduce her exposure to the virus.
Gladys, who lives in Hulme, says it was an anxious time for everyone, especially in the early stages when so little was known about the virus.
It can also be more difficult to spot the symptoms among patients due the nature of their conditions. “During the pandemic we have all been scared,” says Gladys.
“It was very stressful at times because you don’t know whether you have it,” she adds.
“We became vigilant and went the extra mile to keep everyone safe.
“The problem with the virus is that it’s invisible.
“Many of the people we care for have challenging behaviour.
“If one day they are less challenging, that is normally an indication that something is wrong.
“For people with advanced dementia all the new measures are puzzling.
“They are not seeing their relatives, their friends. You can see it in their faces how much they are missing them.
“That has been the hardest thing.” Gladys’ exceptional commitment to nursing has been recognised by the Great British Care Awards.
The mum of four has been nominated for five awards, including the categories of Covid hero and outstanding contribution to social care.
She is also shortlisted for a Markel Third Sector Care Award.
Gladys will find out if she has won early this year.
For people with advanced dementia all the new measures are puzzling.
Nurse Gladys Nkohla