We were welcomed by Home Manager Eileen Welch, and her dedicated nursing team. Affectionately coined the ‘Burnlea Bubble’ by the team, the warm and vibrant environment was clear from the outset.

Eileen was awarded with Highly Commended in the Care Home Nursing category at RCN’s Nurse of the Year awards in April 2026 for her evidence-based innovation in leading high-quality, compassionate care for the residents of Burnlea House.

Creativity in resident-centred improvements demonstrated how nursing practice can meaningfully enhance residents’ daily lives. One example was the introduction of a private phone-booth space with landline, allowing residents to make and receive calls outside their rooms- mirroring how they stayed connected before moving to Burnlea.

These spaces highlighted a key message reinforced by the nursing team throughout the day: there is a common misconception that care homes are places where life ‘stops’, but conversely, residents want to live their best years. By creating environments that support autonomy, connection and everyday normality, Eileen and her highly skilled team demonstrate how nursing practice enhances residents’ lives.

Burnlea stands as a testament to the positive impact of investing in a valued, well-resourced nursing team who have the time, space and support to deliver skilled and compassionate care.

Stigma surrounding care homes and care home nursing continues to challenge recruitment, retention and the wider reputation of the sector. Care home nursing must be recognised as a skilled and rewarding career, which begins with addressing common misconceptions that deter nurses from choosing to work in these settings.