THE manager of a Tottington nursing home has been rewarded for his “brave and heroic leadership” during the pandemic.

Craig Priestley has been was awarded the Chief Nursing Officer Silver Award, just the second adult social care nurse to receive the honour.

He turned Gorsey Clough into one of the country’s first ‘Nightingale’ homes for Bury Council so older adults with Covid-19 symptoms could be discharged. It meant many could spend their final days with loved ones, rather than alone in hospital.

Craig, 31, has managed Gorsey Clough since January 2019, and was presented with the award by Ruth May, England’s Chief Nursing Officer.

Craig said: “It was an absolute honour to receive the award from Ruth. It was a complete surprise, and I still cannot believe it.

“The last year has been extremely difficult for both the NHS and adult social care sector.

“Gorsey Clough has played a pivotal role in supporting our NHS and the community of Bury by setting up the NHS Nightingale unit to allow safe dischages of Covid patients allowing families to spend those last final days, upholding their final wishes and dignity, in addition to supporting recovery.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing dedication and the support of the team at Gorsey Clough, Bury CCG and Bury Council.”

Ms May told Craig: “I just want to say a big personal ‘thank you’ for the work and leadership you have given to social care nursing.

"This medal is my token of appreciation, and I appreciate and value what you’ve done, when the NHS and social care came together to meet these challenges.”

Craig was nominated by Janine Dyson, a lead nurse at the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

She said: “He is a leader and role model within the sector, advocating for his residents and promoting nursing at every opportunity, ensuring that staff can access training and learning at all levels. He is an outstanding nurse and, first and foremost, an outstanding care home manager."

Catherine Jackson, director of nursing and quality improvement at Bury CCG, described his work as brave and courageous.