A SOUTHAMPTON nurse has had her “phenomenal work” recognised in a health trust’s first Nurse of the Year awards.

Solent NHS Trust declared Vanessa Bull, a learning disability nurse, as the winner at the trusts celebrating nursing conference on May 10.

The awards allowed patients and colleagues to recognise those who really make a difference and is part of Solent NHS Trust’s celebration of International Nurses Day 2019.

Vanessa works within the Jigsaw team based at Southampton Civic Offices, which supports disabled children and young people as well as their families.

She is described by her colleagues as “someone who always goes the extra mile and is truly passionate about getting the best outcomes for the children that she works with.”

The panel of patients, volunteers and staff, selected Vanessa for her “high standards, superb care that she provides to patients and her humble and impressive attitude.”

On receiving the award, Vanessa said: “It was very unexpected, but it was lovely to win the award.

“All the nominees were amazing and everyone does such a fantastic job so it makes the award extra special.”

Chief Nurse Jackie Ardley from Solent NHS Trust said: “We are very fortunate to have some incredible people working within Solent. The panel read through many fantastic nominations and it was such a difficult decision to choose a winner.

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the winner – Vanessa Bull – for her phenomenal work, particularly over the last 12 months.

“Vanessa clearly demonstrated the Solent values and shows outstanding innovation, compassion, as well as excellence.

“The conference was such a wonderful event and it was a pleasure to be able to recognise everyone’s hard work.”