A nurse from Bolton has been awarded a highly prestigious accolade which puts her in elite company.
Sam Sherrington is now a Fellow of the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI), an elite group of nurses that provides professional advice and information on the profession.
From 808,488 registered UK Nursing and Midwifery Council nurses, there are only 84 other fellows, so Sam has joined an esteemed group.
She said: "I feel a bit lost for words. It feels like I am receiving it on behalf of so many fantastic community nurses.
"I always say we stand on the shoulders of giants, all those people who have come before us. This recognition is really momentous.
"It is very humbling, as I didn't know I was going to receive it, it was decided by others. As nurses, it is not really for the accolades, we want to ensure we are delivering super health and care to our people and communities and families.
"It is a very special award, and the fellowship remains with me for my lifetime."
Sam added: "I do what I do because it brings me absolute joy, that I can get value added into my national work as the Deputy Director of Community Nursing.
"It brings me joy to work with community nurses and teams of community nurses who I know are delivering outstanding care to families and patients.
"I feel very privileged to be in the role that I am. It is a dream job. I think it is because I've advocated strongly and firmly for community nurses nationally.
"Where possible I have been a voice for them in national spaces with key decision makers. We have done so much over the last four years that I have been in this role, and it is incredible that I have done it together with community nurses."
The QNI is a registered charity dedicated to improving the nursing care of people in the home and community.
Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said he was delighted by the news of Sam's honour.
He added: "Many congratulations to Sam on this prestigious award. It is a wonderful achievement and very inspiring for our students to see what she has achieved as a University of Bolton graduate.
"We are all extremely proud."
Bolton Council leader Nick Peel said: "To be awarded the Fellowship of the Queens Nursing Institute is a rare honour, with only 84 nurses nationally holding this top award.
"Huge congratulations to Bolton’s very own recipient of this much respected accolade, Sam Sherrington, in recognition for her dedicated service to community nursing.”
Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenant, Diane Hawkins, said: "I am delighted that Sam has been recognised by the award of a Fellowship of QNI.
"She is an excellent role model, an inspiration in all that she does, and I have no doubt that she will continue to demonstrate leadership for the benefit of others."
Ann Keen, a fellow of the QNI, said: "I was so very proud to attend the award celebration for Sam Sherrington.
"Sam you are a leader and role model for Community Nursing and all who work in our wonderful NHS.
"I am so aware of how you use your knowledge and personality to encourage the very best Patient Care also how you are respected by all who work alongside you in the wider health care team.
"Thank you for your loyalty to the National Health service, patients and families."
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