A FIFER has been awarded a prestigious award in recognition of her stellar service during the coronavirus pandemic.

Karen Johnson, clinical director and chief nurse at HC-One, has won the inaugural Healthcare Hero Award from Knight Frank, in recognition of her commitment and dedication throughout the pandemic.

Karen is one of 10 marvellous healthcare heroes across a number of providers that have received a Healthcare Hero Award.

The heroes were selected for their leadership, kindness and compassion through the pandemic, their efforts around the infection control and commitment to thinking creatively to make sure residents, colleagues and visitors felt safe and protected during this challenging time.

Talking about how her pride at being given the honour, Karen said: “I am extremely honoured to have been nominated for and received a Knight Frank Healthcare Heroes Award.

“I am privileged to work with some exceptional people in my job, who have all gone over and above to support residents, colleagues and relatives during these unprecedented times. They are all truly heroes.”

Julian Evans, head of healthcare at Knight Frank, said: “We are thrilled to acknowledge the amazing people that work within the social care sector, this year more than ever.

“Care providers have managed the COVID-19 pandemic brilliantly, particularly given challenges including lack of testing and PPE, and we received many nominations on behalf of some truly outstanding people working within the sector.

“Our Healthcare Heroes Awards showcase those inspirational individuals who have been undertaking exemplary work in the most difficult of circumstances and have recognised some richly deserved winners.”

Karen was nominated for the award by Sir David Behan CBE, non-executive chairman at HC-One, as she has been instrumental in steering the organisation through one of the most challenging periods possible.

Knight Frank gave her the award because she “has been a pillar of strength to colleagues, showing her dedication, determination and unwavering commitment to supporting those around her”.

During the pandemic, Karen showed true leadership and teamwork in equal measures, as well as providing coaching to those around her who took on additional responsibilities and empowered each other throughout the crisis.

She has also demonstrated unfaltering attentiveness, kindness, patience and empathy to residents, colleagues, and relatives during these difficult and emotional times while working with the weight of responsibility of the safety of tens of thousands of people.

Sir David said: “We are so pleased that Karen, as HC-One’s clinical director and chief nurse, has received this award. Karen has made and continues to make, an exceptional contribution throughout this pandemic, and we are delighted to celebrate her Healthcare Hero Award with her.

“This award is a testament to the dedication Karen has demonstrated, even in the most challenging of times, and we are incredibly proud of her.

“Karen has truly gone above and beyond to provide the kindest care to residents living in our care homes, as we strive to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve.”

Leading independent global property consultancy, Knight Frank launched the Healthcare Heroes Awards this year in order to recognise and acknowledge outstanding heroes working in the social care sector, who have shown significant dedication and true heroism throughout the coronavirus pandemic