SCORES of newly-qualified nurses and midwives celebrated their achievements together with their families and friends at a special graduation ceremony.

Around 40 nurses and midwives marked their graduation from students to fully qualified members of staff at The Ark Conference Centre, in the grounds of Basingstoke hospital.

The successful graduates studied at Surrey, Southampton, Brighton and Bournemouth universities and either completed their placements and training, or will soon start working, at a hospital run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT).

Each nurse or midwife received a HHFT badge, which they will wear on their uniforms for the rest of their careers to show where they trained.

Donna Green, chief nurse at HHFT, presented each of the newly-qualified staff with their badges, watched by of guests including governors of HHFT and Councillor Anne Court, Deputy Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.

A number of special awards were announced on the night.

The Exceptional Student Nurse of the Year award went to Child Health student Amy Smith, nomina-ted by her mentor, Asma Abbass, who said: “Amy has been exceptional – she is hard working, always willing to help where required, is professional at all times, and shows care and compassion to all she meets.

“Amy is one of life’s natural nurses – the care and attention she has towards her patients and their families is outstanding.”

The Mentor of the Year award went to deputy sister Amy Hoynes, who works in the Acute Assessment Unit at hospital.

She was nominated by student nurse Katherine Seagrave, who wrote: “Amy made me feel part of the team straight away, she is so knowledgeable, approachable and willing to help others learn. She is very inspiring and I hope to be as successful as her in the future.”