David Ruffley MP has today applauded the hard work of nurses at the West Suffolk Hospital following the second annual preceptorship and innovation awards at the hospital.

At the awards professional and practice development nurse, Melanie Pooley, was offered up to £300 to buy a licence for an educational website she has developed, while the team from ward F3 won support for their £400 bid to develop a seating area for use by both staff and patients. Sarah Farr was given the preceptorship award which is given to nurses who have shown excellence during the transition from student to qualified staff member.

David said:

'These awards for innovation at West Suffolk Hospital recognise the innovation and hard work of nurses at the hospital. Here in Bury St Edmunds we are lucky enough to have some of the finest health care professionals in the country and I am delighted that the initiatives introduced at the nurses' instigation are receiving this recognition.

'Although we are talking about relatively small sums of money the investment in these initiatives could make a real difference to the quality of care offered at the hospital on a daily basis.

'I would like to offer my congratulations to all the nurses and members of staff who were recognised in these awards.'