THREE nursing and midwifery staff members at Arrowe Park Hospital have been honoured with a special recognition award.

The chief nursing officer (CNO) Ruth May visited the hospital and presented the highly acclaimed NHS England Chief Nursing Officer Award to nurse Paula Benson, clinical governance matron Annemarie Lawrence and nurse Rosalyn Clare.

They were among eight members of staff at the Trust who were nominated for the award which recognises major contribution to patients and the nursing and midwifery profession.

Annemarie, who is also a registered midwife, is believed to have made a significant impact to quality improvement at the hospital.

She told the Globe: “Since I joined the Trust in May my experience here has been phenomenal.

"I enjoy coming into work and the biggest thing for me has been the engagement of the staff.”

Pre-operative assessment nurse Paula, who has been at the Trust since 2002, has been described as a 'true credit' to nursing, ensuring that staff are supported and every patient received 'exemplary'

care.

She said: “I was shocked, honoured and surprised to have got the award. It’s nice to be appreciated for doing what I think is just my job. I’m absolutely delighted. It was very nice to meet Ruth and to know that nursing staff are being appreciated.”

Rosalyn, who is a newly qualified nurse on the cardiology ward, has been with the Trust since March and patients have written to the organisation to thank her for her high level of care.

As she could not be there for the presentation by the CNO, her award was accepted on her behalf by a colleague.

Janelle Holmes, chief executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: “I feel really privileged, especially being a nurse myself, that our staff have been recognised for their hard work.

"I would like to say a very big thank you to Ruth for taking the time out of her busy schedule to visit our services and to recognise our nurses for all that they contribute.”