Burnley nurse honoured with top accolade for work with NHS trust

Karen English from Burnley and Anthony Clarkson from Chorley were recognised by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) at the RCN Awards on July 8.

Mrs English was named RCN Steward of the Year for her work supporting fellow members at East Lancashire NHS Trust.

She said being a steward enabled her to empower members, provide support, rebuild trust in broken relationships, and enhance the reputation of the trust she works in and feels her greatest achievements have come in the cases where she has helped members to remain in post when they have believed they were going to lose their job.

She said: “When we create a really good professional relationship between that manager and member which is able to continue, that makes me proud.”

Meanwhile, Mr Clarkson was made a Fellow of the RCN, which is the highest accolade that the College bestows.

As director and chief nurse of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS blood and transplant, he has represented the UK on several organ donation and transplantation forums across the globe, and in 2016 was appointed to the position of group leader of the prestigious organ donation global leadership symposium.

In 2019 his contribution to saving lives through organ donation was further recognised when he was elected as the European representative on the council of the International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement.

He said: “I believe being awarded the RCN fellowship is the greatest honour any nurse can receive.

"When I was informed of my award I was humbled by my nomination for, and acceptance to, the fellowship and proud to be recognised by our profession in this way.

“I have dedicated my career to striving to provide the best possible care for organ and tissue donors, their families and ultimately the patients who require an organ or tissue transplant and have been fortunate to learn from and work with incredible colleagues along the way.”