A Huddersfield nurse who works with people with learning disabilities and their families has won a top award.
Amanda McKie, nurse consultant for learning disabilities, has been awarded the NHS England Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Award for Outstanding Service to Nursing.
The awards recognise and reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by nurses and midwives in England and their exceptional contribution to nursing and midwifery practice.
Amanda has worked at Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) for 18 years and throughout that time has led with passion to advocate for people with a learning disability and their families.
The award was announced during the NHS England 8th National Learning Disability Nurse Symposium where Amanda was described as a “genuine star” who had developed and enriched the profession.
Later CHFT chief nurse Lindsay Rudge and deputy chief nurse Jo Middleton surprised Amanda when they called in at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to present the award in person.
Amanda said she was “blown away” to receive the award and added: “I had absolutely no idea it was coming.
“It’s great recognition for everything we’ve achieved at CHFT, as well as what’s to come.
“I’m just one of many learning disability nurses across the country who work hard advocating on behalf of their patients, so to be able to celebrate with them at the Symposium was both special and inspiring.”
Lindsay said the award was well deserved and added: “Amanda has a passion for improving the care and treatment of patients living with a learning disability.
“Her commitment to improving the lives of people with a learning disability and the initiatives she has led are making sure that there is equitable access, better experience and improved outcomes for the people we care for. It is fantastic to see her work and leadership recognised.”
Ian Noonan, nurse consultant for mental health at CHFT, said: “Amanda is creative, kind, inclusive, challenging, practical and champions the needs of people with a learning disability. I am inspired by her work.”
David Harling BEM, national deputy director for learning disability nursing at NHS England, said: “The gold level awards aren’t awarded that often so it’s an amazing accolade, not only for Amanda but for all she does for the people she supports and, of course, in flying the flag for learning disability nursing.”
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