Honouring nurses

Past and present Cardiff nursing students have been recognised for their best practice and the outstanding level of care they provide in health and social care in Wales.

The Royal College of Nursing Wales' (RCN) first ever Nurse of the Year Awards celebrated nurses who make a significant contribution to both patient care and the nursing profession.

Nicola West, a part-time PhD student at the School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies won the Clinical Nurse Specialist Award. In total, six alumni from the School were nominated or received awards for their work.

Nicola has driven breast care in Cardiff since she took up the post of Senior Nurse in Breast Care in 1991. She has developed the service over the last 20 years and her expertise is widely valued and recognised via calls to contribute to all Wales policy development.

Speaking about her award, Nicola said: "I was so very delighted to receive the RCN Wales Nurse of the year award for Clinical Nurse Specialist. It feels great to be recognised by fellow nurses and nominated for such a prestigious award. It was truly a memorable evening and a great night to celebrate Welsh nursing and midwifery success."

Louise Poley, a former Cardiff MSc student won Nurse of the Year at the RCN Wales awards. Louise was described by the judging panel as a 'champion in her field', having led a multi-agency project to offer services to the homeless within their own environment, ensuring they receive professional and timely health care.

Professor Sheila Hunt, Dean of the School, said: "Louise and Nicola are both brilliant and dedicated nurses who have made a real difference to the lives of their patients, and I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised at such a prestigious event. We are honoured that nurses capable of such achievements have studied here and have shared their expertise at Cardiff School of Nursing and Midwifery Studies."