Salford team scoops record number of nominations at national nursing awards

The awards recognise the very best nursing and midwifery education providers and learners across the UK. This year has seen the University, which is one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery undergraduate education in the north, shortlisted in an exceptionally high number of categories.

Alongside a number of nominations for student nurse and midwife of the year categories, the University has also been recognised in the prestigious “Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year” category for a second year running. The University of Salford’s course is one of the most popular in the north and gets consistently high ratings in the National Student Survey (NSS).

The full list of shortlisted entries from the University is as follows:

• Learner of the Year – Post-registration – Heidi West
• Learner of the Year – Post-registration – Hannah Dewhurst
• Learner of the Year – Post-registration – Natalie Griffin
• Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion – Lyndon Pillar
• Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion – Natalie Mulley
• Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion – Oluchi Okoroafor
• Most Inspirational Student Nurse of the Year – Natalie Mulley
• Student Midwife of the Year – Sophie Pearce
• Student Nurse of the Year – Adult – Natalie Mulley
• Student Nurse of the Year – Adult – Oluchi Okoroafor
• Student Nurse of the Year – Mental Health – Cat Podmore
• Student Nursing Associate of the Year – Phoebe Hall
• Student Nursing Associate of the Year – Lyndon Pillar
• Student Nursing Associate of the Year – Marjana Sultana
• University Educator of the Year – Jonatan Berhan
• Nurse Education Provider of the Year (Post-Registration) – Specialist Practice Qualification (SPQ)/Specialist Community Public Health Nurse (SCPHN) Programme
• Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year (Pre-Registration) – Student Nursing Associate Programme
• Student Placement of the Year: Community – Interprofessional Education (IPE) Care Home Project
• Teaching Innovation of the Year – Student Nursing Associate Podcasts
• Partnership of the Year – Bridging Gaps in Bereavement Clinical Education: A Collaborative Digital Placement Model (The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, University of Salford and University of Manchester)

Karen Heggs, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Salford, said that the number of nominations is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire directorate team.

“The incredible number of shortlisted nominations we’ve received this year is fantastic. To be recognised in such a wide range of categories reflects both the amazing individual achievements of our students and lecturers, and the groundbreaking team projects which are delivering new and innovative teaching experiences for our learners.

“I’m delighted to see so many really strong teams and individuals recognised. Thanks to everyone for their hard work and commitment. I would like to wish all of our shortlisted nominees the very best of luck for the final stage.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday 2 May 2025.