Shropshire sister crowned nurse of the year

Sue Lovett, a sister in the oncology ward at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, has won the the prestigious Patient's Choice Award at the Nursing Standard Nurse of the Year 2014 awards.

The Shropshire School Nursing Team won the School Nurse Award.

Mrs Lovett won her award with a public vote after being shortlisted as one of four finalists from almost 100 nominations, and was presented with her award at a ceremony at The Savoy Hotel in London.

Nominated by Amanda Jacob, Mrs Lovett went the 'extra mile' to make sure Amanda's husband could spend time at home with his family during his final days.

Paul Vaughan, director of the Royal College of Nursing in the West Midlands, said: "I'm thrilled that Sue has won this coveted award. It is richly deserved.

"Compassion is one of the pillars of good nursing.

"By thinking and acting in the best interests of her patient and his family, Sue's practice exuded this very quality of compassion. She is a credit to our profession."

Meanwhile, the Shropshire School Nursing team won their award for developing guidance for local schools that improves the health of children with asthma and boosts their attendance at school.

The Bridgnorth-based team were also presented with their award at The Savoy yesterday.

Mr Vaugh said: "This award is a real testimony to the skill, dedication and leadership of the school nursing team in Shropshire.

"Only last week a national review called for an end to the complacency that can sometimes surround the treatment of asthma, and for specialist nurses to take a key role in improving care, so the service being delivered in Shropshire's schools for children with this condition is setting a great example."