The managing director of an Exmouth care home has been nominated for a national award.

Natasha Lazovic has been named as a finalist in the Leaders in Care Awards 2024.

The awards celebrate the achievements of care home providers in the UK and the suppliers that serve them.

Ms Lazovic has been shortlisted in the Executive Leader category, with the winner to be announced at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on October 8.

She came to the UK from Serbia in 1994 and began her training as a nurse.

Her career has seen her work in a variety of care settings, both in the NHS and private sector, before she joined Barchester in 2014 as a regional director.

She now oversees more than 80 care homes in the south division.

Ms Lazovic said: "I am very humbled to be nominated for this award, and I am very proud to be part of the shortlist and to be representing Barchester as a finalist.

"It is an honour to be recognised for doing a job I love.

"I’ve just celebrated my 10-year anniversary with Barchester and those years have absolutely flown by, I’m looking forward to the next 10."

Barchester Healthcare’s CEO, Dr Pete Calveley, said: "It comes as no surprise to me that Natasha has been shortlisted for this award.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside her for over 18 years, we’ve both just celebrated 10 years with Barchester.

"Natasha is an incredible leader who is totally devoted to her teams and her residents.

"I can think of no one who deserves this award more than she does."

Raleigh Manor Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.

Raleigh Manor Care Home provides residential and specialist dementia care.