NHS lifetime award for caring Forest Town nurse

Sue, duty nurse manager for the urgent emergency care team, has been given the NHS 70 Lifetime Achievement Award after more than 40 years of service with the NHS.

Sue from Forest Town has worked in Mansfield and Sutton as a nurse for almost 44 years.

She said: “I feel honoured to have won this award, especially as I was recognised for my patient focus.

“I will be going into my 44th year of NHS service in September and I have worked, and still work with, some fabulous staff and patients.”

The 60-year-old is known for always going “over and above” to ensure patients receive the highest level of care at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, which operates the hospital.

She said: “SFH is an amazing place to work and I am proud to be part of the SFH team and its core values.”

Sue was nominated for the award by fellow staff, patients and hospital visitors and then chosen by a judging panel at the trust.

Yvonne Simpson, corporate head of nursing, who nominated Sue, said: “Working within the Mansfield Group of Hospitals since she commenced her training in 1979, Sue has been a real asset to all the roles that she has undertaken.

“She has energy and is vibrant in her role, and is keen to maintain her registration and knowledge. She is an inspiration to us all.”

Suzanne Banks, trust chief nurse, said: “I was delighted to present Sue with the NHS70 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Sue has been at SFH for more than 40 years now and has been an absolute pleasure to work with.

“We received a number of nominations for Sue, all praising her for her dedication to patient care.

“Sue has also been a mentor for many other nurses, many of whom have commended her for sharing her knowledge and experience with them.

“Her enthusiasm shines through and she continues to be a key member of the trust.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our team.”