A nurse in Stockport has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of 'outstanding commitment'.

Rachel Donnelly, a recently-qualified school nurse, is a finalist in the 'Learner of the Year' category at this year's Student Nursing Times Awards, which celebrate the best training and learning in healthcare services across the country.

The winners will be announced in April, during a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Specifically, she is being recognised for her support for LGBTQ+ pupils and students; Rachel introduced a project to improve school nursing support and reduce health inequalities for students in this demographic, which in turn has informed other nurses across the country.

Rachel (left) has, in fact, already picked up a national award last year with her colleague Harriet Griffiths (Image - Stockport NHSFT)

Working with a local secondary school, Rachel conducted focus groups to understand the students' needs, then developed a plan of action based on what they had said. Her proposals have now been introduced among other local school nurses.

Rachel has already received the national 'School Nurse Student of the Year' award from the School and Public Health Nurse Association (SAPHNA) in 2023, and her work has also been incorporated by SAPHNA into their own national toolkit set for release later this year, which will reach school nurses nationally.

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said "It's brilliant to see Rachel being shortlisted as 'Learner of the Year'.

"Her enthusiasm and commitment are exactly what we want to see from our nurses in training. Rachel's work is really helping our school nurses in giving the best care they can to young LGBTQ+ students, and we're really glad to see this being recognised on the national stage."

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