A DUDLEY nurse has been crowned national Nurse Leader of the Year at the prestigious Nursing Times Awards.

Sarah Causer, who works for the Dudley Group NHS Foundation, received her award at a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel last Thursday (November 12).

Dawn Wardell, chief nurse for the Trust, said she was absolutely thrilled by Sarah’s accolade which was awarded for her outstanding work in her role as Lead Nurse for Older People.

She said: "This is a wonderful achievement and Sarah should be very proud.

“Sarah is already a highly regarded leader within the organisation, but to be recognised at a national level at such a prestigious event really is fantastic. I want to say on behalf of everyone at the Trust – well done Sarah."

Sarah was put forward for the award by her matron Rachel Tomkins after taking on the role of Lead Nurse for Older People at the end of last year.

Rachel said 39-year-old Sarah from Dudley "inspires and motivates the nursing teams she leads" and she added: "Her compassion for her vulnerable patients and her drive to ensure they receive quality patient-centred care is exemplary.

“A very well-deserved award for a true role model – if only you could bottle her.”

Dudley Group's Macmillan Palliative Care Educator Karen Lewis was also shortlisted in the category of Nurse of the Year and Jacqui Howell’s work as Learning Disability Liaison Nurse was shortlisted in the category of Enhancing Patient Dignity.