Care workers and nursing initiatives honored in Sweden

Södertälje held its annual Care Gala on October 23, celebrating 14 winners selected from 408 nominations. The event, organized by the elderly care and care committees, recognized employees and managers for their commitment, innovation, and impact on daily care services. Notable awards included the Care Stars, given to six individuals for their professional skill and support for colleagues and patients, and the Manager of the Year awards presented to Mehrdad Ahmadi and Lotta Nordlander.

Other honors included the Innovator of the Year, awarded to Mattias Svensson and the Palliative Network, and the Quality Prize, awarded to the Daily Activities area and Brunnsängs home care. Individual winners received 10,000 SEK each.

Separately, three nurse-led initiatives have been named finalists for the Vårdförbundet Prize 2026. These finalists are recognized for developing new methods in pediatric care, advanced home healthcare, and coordinated care for complex needs. One finalist, AnnaMaria Tollne from Karolinska University Hospital, developed a family-integrated care protocol for children with esophageal atresia, a model that has gained international recognition.