A leading nurse at Croydon University Hospital has been recognised for the "amazing" leadership she has shown during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ward lead Marion Spence received the Chief Nursing Officer Silver Award for her work over the last two years, NHS Croydon announced on Wednesday (August 11).

The prestigious award was given for Marion's "leadership, professionalism and for the exceptional care" she provided patients with at Croydon University Hospital over the last two years, in particular since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020.

Marion was presented the award by NHS England and Improvement’s Chief Nurse, Ruth May, at a virtual event surrounded by her fellow nurses and senior Trust leaders.

"I want to give a very big personal thank you for the amazing leadership that you've shown during the pandemic," Ruth said.

"You've led a team caring for some of the sickest COVID-19 patients in your hospital, and provided 1-2-1 support, motivating your team and striving for continuous improvement for quality of care and the experience of patients."

Marion started her work as a nurse with the NHS in 2014 after changing careers, and has since thrived in her role that became even more essential with the advent of coronavirus last year.

Speaking on receiving the award, Marion said she was amazed to even be considered for it:

""I'm surprised and elated, to be considered for this award is amazing. I feel like I’ve come into my own since I started my nursing career after a career change just six years ago, and to be acknowledged and valued means everything to me. I appreciate and have a genuine love for the profession and those around me. Thank you to Elaine for nominating me and to Ruth May for presenting me with this honour."

Marion was nominated for the award by Chief Nurse of Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, Elaine Clancy.

"Marion has demonstrated exceptional leadership to her team, supporting them throughout the pandemic and during some of the most difficult times in their nursing careers," Elaine said. "Her ability to relate to staff and to inspire confidence in the face of the unknown is admirable and, as a senior Black leader, she has worked incredibly hard to provide reassurance and additional support to staff all across our diverse workforce, many of whom were affected personally by the health inequalities brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a wealth of experience to her name Marion has time and time again shown herself to be a true leader in every sense of the word."