A NURSE has been named as the region’s ‘Angel of the North’.

North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) career start practice nurse Christy Egan was presented with the “Angel of the North” Nurse of 2020 award at a prestigious ceremony at Ramside Hall, Durham.

Organised by NHS England and NHS Improvement the awards, now in their second year, recognise the skills, expertise and dedication of practice nurses across the North East and North Cumbria.

The nurse, who graduated from Teesside University in 2019, collected a second award on the evening for raising the profile of general practice nursing through her work as a student nurse network ambassador - helping to promote primary care to newly qualified nurses.

“I didn’t even know that I was nominated for one award and I have come away with two,” she said.

“I just can’t quite believe it.”

The ceremony also provided a double celebration for Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG with health care assistant Victoria Bourne, of Barnard Castle Surgery, receiving the unsung hero award and practice nurse Holly Kavanagh, of Murton Medical Centre, collecting the rising star award. 

Ms Bourne, who has worked for the NHS for 30 years said: “I am absolutely shocked.

“I only found out last week that I had been nominated but I never expected to win.

“This award really is for everyone at our GP practice and I am really proud to be part of the team.”

Emma Nunez, director of nursing in North Cumbria and the North East at NHS England and Improvement added: “This year the awards are even more special as we celebrate The Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020.

“We are thrilled so many people have come forward to nominate practice nurses for these awards - it shows what huge talent lies within the NHS in North Cumbria and the North East.

“By celebrating the achievements of these individuals, we can shine a light on just some of the fabulous people involved in practice nursing in the NHS.”