A Dorset County Hospital nurse has won a prestigious national award for going above and beyond for her patients and service.

Lead Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse Pearl Avery received the Gastrointestinal/IBD Nurse of the Year award at the 2018 British Journal of Nursing Awards.

The annual awards showcase nursing excellence, recognising and celebrating individuals who put patient care at the heart of their role, inspire others and drive the profession.

Pearl was nominated for striving to provide the best care possible for patients in her local service and pioneering a new patient management system which has earned national recognition.

Her nomination read: “Pearl always put the patient first and inspires others to do the same, while being passionate about working towards an efficient and sustainable health service.

“She regularly goes above and beyond to see that patients receive the care they need in a timely fashion.

“She is always looking to the future, aiming to keep the service fresh and fit for the needs of the patient. One of her ideals is that just because we are a district general hospital it doesn’t mean we cannot be innovative.”

Pearl said she was honoured to receive the award and paid tribute to her colleagues:

“It is wonderful to be recognised for work that you absolutely love and a national award like this is incredible. I am aware I am only as good as the team around me and I feel this is as much their award as it is mine.”