AMANDA Hulse has won the “School Nurse of the Year” award from the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association.

She is based at Flatt Walks Health Centre, Whitehaven, and was presented with the award at a ceremony in London that honours the exceptional work of healthcare professionals from across the UK.

Amanda said: “I think I'm in shock still - it's a huge recognition for all the hard work we do as a School Nursing team and the wider child and family team. 

"I'm really proud to have won and excited about the opportunities it brings. Both Helen and I met some amazing practitioners today and it shows how passionate we all are about the work we do, it's thanks to my colleagues especially Debbie McDowell, Helen Westwood and Fiona Graham for being fabulous and encouraging me when it gets a bit tough.

“It’s really nice to know that your work is being noticed and acknowledged by managers and colleagues.”

Joanne Hiley, associate director of nursing, children and young people's services, said: “We are so proud of Amanda's award that recognises her achievements, not only for the children in Cumbria but for school nursing as a profession. 

"She has secured funding and is developing a school nursing text messaging service to enable children to access their school nurses more easily. Amanda is child focused, enthusiastic and great role model we are lucky to have her.”

Amanda qualified as a paediatric nurse in 1996 and lived overseas until her return in 2001 where she began working on Fairfield Ward at the West Cumberland Hospital.

She started as a school nurse in 2003 and is now responsible for over 3,000 secondary and primary school pupils.