Congratulations to Nurse Consultant for Learning Disabilities, Amanda McKie, who has been awarded the NHS England Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Award for Outstanding Service to Nursing.
The awards recognise and reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by nurses and midwives in England and their exceptional contribution to nursing and midwifery practice.
Amanda has worked at CHFT for 18 years and throughout that time has led with passion to advocate for people with a learning disability and their families who use our services. This includes a focus on health inclusion, training, teamwork, and personalised care which has ensured that people with a learning disability under our care have a positive experiences and much improved outcomes.
Amanda was presented the award by Professor Mark Radford, Deputy CNO for England, during the NHS England 8th National Learning Disability Nurse Symposium held on Thursday 11th December, where she was described as a “genuine star” who has developed and enriched the profession. Chief Nurse, Lindsay Rudge, alongside Deputy Chief Nurse, Jo Middleton, then popped into to surprise Amanda with the CNO Gold Award in person at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Reacting afterwards, Amanda said: “I think I am speechless which I never am! I’m extremely proud to work for a Trust that listens and acts for the benefits of our patients with a learning disability or autism and was blown away to receive this award. I had absolutely no idea it was coming. It’s great recognition for everything we’ve achieved at CHFT, as well as what’s to come. I’m just one of many learning disability nurses across the country who work hard advocating on behalf of their patients, so to be able to celebrate with them at the Symposium was both special and inspiring.”
Lindsay said: “Amanda has a passion for improving the care and treatment of patients living with a learning disability. Her commitment to improving the lives of people with a learning disability and the initiatives she has led are making sure that there is equitable access, better experience and improved outcomes for the people we care for. It is fantastic to see her work and leadership recognised at this level, she is so deserving of this award. It is also a huge testament to colleagues at CHFT who have worked with Amanda to deliver the best possible care for our patients living with a learning disability.”
David Harling BEM, National Deputy Director for Learning Disability Nursing, NHS England, said: “The gold level awards aren't awarded that often so it’s an amazing accolade, not only for Amanda but for all she does for the people she supports and of course in flying the flag for learning disability nursing.”
Ian Noonan, Nurse Consultant for Mental Health, at CHFT, said: “She is creative, kind, inclusive, challenging, practical, and champions the needs of people with a learning disability. I am inspired by her work.”