INSPIRATIONAL nursing staff who have touched people’s lives were recognised at an emotional awards ceremony.

The Director of Nursing Awards, now in its 10th year, celebrated the contribution made by more than 200 nurses, midwives and health professionals at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), at the ceremony held at the Elvetham Hotel, Hartley Wintney on Monday evening.

The trust runs hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover.

There were a record 322 nominations received from patients this year.

The winners were picked by a panel of judges.

Figure skater Robin Cousins delivered a speech before 13 awards were handed out.

Other special guests attending the ceremony included Cllr Anne Court, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, as well as rotary clubs from Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester.

Donna Green, chief nurse at HHFT, told the audience: “This is our 10th awards ceremony and every year my welcome speech is broadly the same.

“But that’s because the message hasn’t changed. “Our nurses, midwives and therapists do an amazing job and I’m very proud of them.”

Among the winners was Pauline Bawden, a sister in the Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) at Basingstoke hospital.

Her nominator, who lost her baby at 14 weeks, said: “Pauline was one person who made a real difference.

“When decisions seemed to be so complex, she made them clear; when others were busy, she gave us time.

“When others had gone home, Pauline stayed and she prayed and was there by our side at the service in the chapel as we said goodbye.”