The woman behind Balhousie Care Group's innovative dementia practices has been recognised with a prestigious national nursing award.

Yvonne Manson, dementia nurse consultant with the Perth-based care home group, has won the award for leadership at the RCNi Awards, on Wednesday 4th July in London, which celebrate excellence in nursing care throughout the UK.

Yvonne has headed up a host of dementia initiatives throughout the group's 25 care homes in Scotland. With a focus on collaboration between staff and residents, these have included memory boxes, themed interior décor, multi-sensory therapy and virtual reality headsets, all to encourage reminiscence as well as family time and personal space.

Yvonne also leads Balhousie Care's Dementia Ambassador programme in which at least two staff members in every care home are active ambassadors for dementia practices, meeting regularly to share ideas and learn new techniques.

Yvonne, standing out among almost 800 entries, has worked in care homes for 23 years and is a fierce advocate for innovation in the sector. She regularly shares her ideas on dementia nursing at national events and conferences.

Yvonne said: "I've been fortunate to have worked in this sector for more than two decades and to have learned from some of the best. I'm very proud to have been recognised for all Balhousie Care Group's hard work with the dementia programme. The staff here inspire me every day with their dedication, and to see others gaining confidence and progressing our ideas is so gratifying."

Louise Barnett, Operations Director at Balhousie Care Group, added: "Since joining Balhousie Care Group in 2016, Yvonne's passion and commitment to developing our dementia programme has been exceptional. The number of people living with dementia in this country is rapidly increasing and the work of individuals like Yvonne in our industry are making a real difference to those who are affected and their loved ones. We are delighted to see Yvonne recognised by the RCNi Awards."

www.balhousiecare.co.uk