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Zarah with the Stoma Team at the awards night

Mum inspired me to be the best I could be, says Nurse of the Year

A Harrow nurse whose highflying career included serving in the Royal Air Force has been named Nurse of the Year.

Zarah Perry-Woodford dedicated the award to her late mother, Doris, who inspired her to join the profession as a teenager telling her to ‘make sure you go to bed knowing you have done your best.’

“I’ve had to overcome so many obstacles in my career but I’ve always heeded my mum’s advice. I am very passionate about what I do and am focused on doing the best I can for my patients. My mum was my biggest fan and inspiration.”

Zarah Perry-Woodford with her Nurse of the Year Award. Zarah, who works as a consultant nurse specialising in stoma and internal pouch care at St Mark’s Hospital, admits she felt like crying when she was announced the winner at the gala evening held by the British Journal of Nursing.

“It is quite nerve wrecking waiting for your category to be announced and having knowledge of the amazing work the other nurse and teams have done. When my name was announced, I just stood up and hugged my colleagues. I would not have been able to do this without them. I think the first thing I said on the podium was: ‘Thank you. I want to cry.”

Judges gave Zarah the nod for several reasons including her nursing and leadership skills during the pandemic which included patients at the specialist bowel cancer hospital continuing to receive uninterrupted treatment.

She also helped oversee the digitalisation of stoma services and co-authored a 182- page handbook helping empower patients to have the confidence to self-manage their condition.

Zarah’s colleagues also picked up a silver award in the Stoma Nurse of the Year category.

So, what’s her advice to young people thinking of joining the profession?

“My mum’s second best piece of advice was ‘love what you do and do what you  love.’

Doris, Zarah's mother and a source of inspiration "It helps to be passionate about what you do. I have been lucky enough to meet some incredible people who have seen my potential and believed in me.

“However, it is also important to have that drive to challenge yourself, manage your expectations and learn from your mistakes. My mum taught me that and this award is for her.”

 

 

 

 

 

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