Nursing award for Teesside University academic

A nurse turned academic was among nursing heroes honoured at the 14th annual Nightingale Awards for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Kelly Rowe, who has since left nursing to work as a lecturer at Teesside University, was named overall winner of the Nightingales for her exemplary service to paediatric care as a specialist diabetes nurse.

Kelly, who also won best senior nurse and paediatric awards, was 'overwhelmed' by her triple win. She was nominated by colleague Alison Murray, also a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse.

Alison said she is sad to see Kelly leave the Trust to start work as a lecturer at Teesside University, a role Kelly sees as helping the nurses of the future be the best they can. Alison said: 'She's very driven and so passionate, always looking for ways to make things better.'

Kelly, who started her own nurse training in 1993, said: 'I only left James Cook because I want to inspire the next generation of nurses.

'I am just over the moon to receive the awards I have received today. I never expected it at all and I’m overwhelmed and so proud.

'I'm proud of the whole team I've worked with as a diabetes specialist nurse and the other teams I have been able to be a part of during my career at South Tees. South Tees Hospitals overall has such a great team of people.'

Yasmin Osborne, Paediatric Student Nurse at Teesside University was named the winner of the Student Nurse Award.

Staff nurse Dominique Bendelow, who nominated second year student Yasmin, describes her as 'proactive, approachable, professional and friendly' and applauded the professionalism 'which belied her years of experience' in nursing.

Dominique added: 'She was an amazing student and will make a fantastic nurse when she qualifies who I would be privileged to work alongside.'

Gill Hunt, director of nursing at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'The Nightingale Awards are always very special and I am delighted to be able to present our exceptional nurses with well-deserved awards for the exemplary care and compassion they show to our patients every day.'

Full list of winners

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