Leeds nurse honoured with national award after championing healthcare for homeless people
‘She was a powerful advocate for inclusion, equality and compassionate care’
A Leeds nurse who spent more than 30 years improving healthcare access for vulnerable people has been posthumously honoured with a prestigious national award.
Liz, who worked for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, received the Chief Nursing Officer Gold Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing and tackling health inequalities.
Liz died earlier this year, aged 51, following a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Her husband Rob, who is also a nurse with 35 years of service, and her sister Clare accepted the award on her behalf.
The award was presented to the family by Michelle Bateman, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England at NHS England.
Throughout her career, Liz was a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness and others facing barriers to healthcare.
She worked to ensure people whose voices were often unheard received the care, dignity and respect they deserved, challenging attitudes and helping services become more inclusive.
Colleagues remembered her for looking beyond a person’s circumstances or diagnosis and focusing on the individual.
Michelle Bateman said: “Liz was an exceptional nurse who dedicated her career to improving the lives of people who often face significant barriers to healthcare.
“She was a powerful advocate for inclusion, equality and compassionate care, and her influence continues to be felt across the NHS and the communities we serve.
“While we are deeply saddened that Liz was not able to receive this award herself, we are pleased that her outstanding contribution has been recognised nationally.”
Speaking after accepting the award, Rob said Liz had been determined to find ways to communicate with people, challenge inequalities and break down barriers.
He said: “I always joked that for someone with little arms she had a big reach, and I’m delighted that national projects now in the pipeline will carry her name and her legacy on.”
The Chief Nursing Officer Gold Award is one of the nursing profession’s highest forms of recognition, celebrating exceptional contributions to patient care and NHS values.
Liz was also a Queen’s Nurse, a professional title awarded to experienced community and primary care nurses who demonstrate outstanding clinical leadership, person-centred care and a commitment to improving health standards.
Her work leaves a lasting legacy in Leeds and beyond, helping to improve access to healthcare for some of the most disadvantaged members of society.