A COVID warrior is in the running for a social care ‘Oscar’ after her unflinching efforts to help keep a care home coronavirus free.

Arlene Elano, deputy manager of Pendine Park’s Bodlondeb care home in Wrexham, says her nomination at the Wales Care Awards 2022 is a ‘beacon of hope’ and a tribute to the entire team there.

Arlene has already been honoured by the Philippines ambassador to Britain, and appeared in an international television documentary about the devastating impact of COVID on the care sector.

Mum of three Arlene is on a three-strong final shortlist in the award category celebrating Leadership and Management in Residential Care.

Arlene said: “I was quite shocked but also felt very humble and proud when I was told by my manager that I had been nominated for this prestigious award.

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“It is really a beacon of hope and a tribute to the team at Bodlondeb because without their commitment, loyalty and driving force to follow best practice in stopping Covid from coming into the home we would have seen very different outcomes.

“No one could have foreseen the destruction covid brought to society, there’s not one person who has not been affected or seen suffering like we have never experienced as a nation.”

Manager Ann Chapman said Arlene was a COVID warrior who went above and beyond to protect vulnerable residents, and her fellow staff.

Ann said: “She became the Chief COVID Warrior, determined to keep COVID out, which was achieved during the first two waves despite very high community transmission.”

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Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, who run the awards, said: “The social care sector is full of wonderful people like Arlene because it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation – these are people who go the extra mile for others.

“During the Covid crisis, this fantastic workforce rose magnificently to the challenge, putting their own lives on the line to do everything they possibly could to safeguard the people for whom they provide care.

“Unfortunately, it has taken a global pandemic for many other people to realise how important and how significant our social care workforce is.

“All the nominees deserve to be lauded and applauded and it’s a real pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists."

Winners will be announced on October 21.