Children's nurse secures national award

A children's nurse who has dedicated nearly 30 years to caring for young patients in Wolverhampton has won a national award.

Sara Eacopo was "the most outstanding student" studying for a children's community nursing qualification at universities, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said.

Ms Eacopo joined the organisation in 1996, starting on the children's ward before moving to the Children's Community Nursing Service in 2004.

She said: "I feel really fortunate that I love my job and I'm grateful for all the support I've had from colleagues and management to develop my knowledge and training."

The matron for the Children's Community Nursing Service and clinical nurse specialists at the trust has been awarded the Dame Elizabeth Fradd Prize, after studying at the University of South Wales.

The accolade celebrates the most outstanding student on the Specialist Practitioner Qualification in children's community nursing at universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ms Eacopo said she was "so surprised", adding: "I have enjoyed every moment of my study and being part of the university - and receiving this award is the very luxurious icing on the cake."

She added she felt "incredibly grateful" to have been nominated.

"Working within Children's Community Nursing as a Matron is so rewarding, and this recognition means a great deal to me."

Ms Eacopo, who began her nursing training in 1993, became a Queen's Nurse, an honour that promotes the highest standards of patient care in the community, in 2020.

She is also part of a national community children's nursing support group sponsored by the Queen's nursing institute.

Dame Elizabeth, who trained as a children's nurse, became deputy chief nursing officer for England and served as director of nursing/lead director for reviews and inspections at the Commission for Health Improvement.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.