A Stockport nurse at Stepping Hill Hospital has spoke of her ‘pride’ at being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Gill Clarke, 55, from Mile End, was awarded the honour for her services to nursing.
She qualified as a nurse in 1976 at Stepping Hill Hospital and has worked at the hospital throughout her 37-year career.
As lead nurse for gynaecological services she has transformed care for women across the area through the introduction of new services and innovative new ways of working.
Speaking of her award Gill said: “I am stunned and it is the proudest moment of my life. It’ll take a while to sink in. I had to read the letter three times before I took in what it was actually saying.
“I am so proud to be a nurse, but you don’t ever do these things to get recognised or honoured. I have just tried to make a difference to patients.
“I enjoy every minute of the work I do, with a lot of it being a reward in itself, so for somebody to decide I should get recognised for that is just fantastic.
“I would not be receiving this honour however, if it weren’t for the unstinting support of my colleagues. I consider myself very lucky to be part of an amazing team.”
Ann Barnes, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that Gill has received this award which is so richly deserved.
“Gill is an outstanding individual who is totally dedicated to her patients. She is also an inspiration to staff and an exceptional role model.
“Gill has led the way in developing and improving gynaecological services for two decades.
“The results of her work have helped provide women in Stockport with the highest-quality and most advanced gynaecology services, tailored to their needs.
“This has not only had a lasting impact on local women, but also other women in Greater Manchester who have accessed her services.
“Gill’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment have made a difference to many thousands of women. She is a shining example and an inspiration to us all.”
