Two senior nurses from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King's Lynn have been numbered amongst the top leaders of the NHS at a national awards event.

Matron Claire Kent was one of ten national finalists in the NHS emerging leader of the year category of the National NHS Leadership Recognition Awards, while learning disability specialist nurse Maria Cox was one of the ten national finalists in the NHS leader of patient inclusivity of the year category.

The two were amongst 83 NHS staff from across the country who made it through to the finals of the awards and who attended a gala reception at the QEII Conference Centre in Westminster.

Managing Director of the NHS Leadership Academy, Jan Sobieraj, told the finalists: 'Outstanding leaders have a direct, positive impact on patient care and we are proud to celebrate people who not only directly or indirectly provide exceptional care to patients but who act as role models and inspirational leaders for the next generation of NHS professionals.'

Matron Kent said: 'It was an honour for both of us to have been nominated by our colleagues and to have made it through to the national finals.

'Despite the current challenges facing our Trust we were proud to represent the ongoing commitment of our staff to deliver good quality care to patients and their families.

'Although we didn't come away with the national awards for our categories it was certainly a night for both of us to remember.'

Learning disability liaison nurse Maria Cox said: 'It was such a huge honour to be a finalist and the evening was absolutely amazing.

'It was a wonderful night because we were mixing with the top NHS leaders in the country.'