We are incredibly proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement for Hythe View, as Deputy Manager Karen Curtis has been named a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution to Dementia category at the Dementia in Care Awards.

Karen’s nomination recognises more than two decades of dedication, leadership and innovation in health and social care, alongside her unwavering passion for improving the lives of people living with dementia and complex care needs.

Karen began her care career in 2003 as a community care worker, inspired by caring for both of her grandmothers. Following her qualification as a nurse in 2010, she quickly progressed through a number of senior clinical leadership roles within community services.

By 2013, Karen had become a District Nurse Team Leader, before being promoted to Clinical Nurse Manager for Complex Care and End-of-Life services in 2015. During this time, she developed Continuing Healthcare-funded models that enabled highly advanced nursing care, including for ventilated patients, to be delivered safely within people’s own homes.

Her work extended beyond direct care delivery. Karen played a key role in developing clinical training programmes, standard operating procedures and scalable care frameworks, while also supporting external providers to adopt innovative approaches to complex care.

In 2019, Karen joined a European research project adapting the Buurtzorg model for the UK – an approach focused on self-managing nursing teams and truly person-centred care. As both Coach and later Lead Coach, she helped implement the model across Medway, supporting organisational transformation and presenting outcomes at national conferences.

Karen joined Hythe View in 2023 and was soon promoted to Deputy Manager.

Since joining Hythe View, Karen has become a highly valued member of the leadership team, bringing compassion, expertise and a strong commitment to delivering outstanding dementia and behavioural care. Her ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine empathy has made a meaningful difference to residents, families and colleagues alike.

Being named a finalist for the Dementia in Care Awards is a fitting recognition of Karen’s exceptional contribution to dementia care and her continued commitment to improving the experiences and outcomes of those she supports.

Everyone at Hythe View and Integrum Care Group congratulates Karen on this well-deserved achievement and wishes her the very best at the awards ceremony.