A MATRON at Poole Hospital has won an Employee of the Year award after 34 years in the nursing profession.

Val Horn, pictured, who works in the Old People’s Services department at the hospital on Longfleet Road, was presented with the accolade by TV presenter, Chris Jarvis, who compered the annual Poole Hospital Awards ceremony.

She was given the award in recognition of her commitment to the care that older people receive in the hospital.

She said: “It was very humbling to be awarded the Employee of the Year accolade from my peers.

“It really underlines to me the importance with which the care of the elderly is seen at Poole Hospital.

“It is recognition that our elderly patients are firmly centre stage and that, as teams and individuals, we really are making a difference.

“In my 34 years of nursing, seeing so many services for older people recognised has been the undoubted highlight of my career.”

In the nomination form made to Poole Hospital for Val, a colleague said: “Val’s vision and innovative approach sits at the forefront of older people’s services. Val is an inspiration to everyone who works with her.”

Around 120 people attended the event, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Poole, Cllr Phil Eades and his wife, Helen.

Other successes at the award ceremony include Ita May, who was named as the Patient Care Individual Award winner, for her work in the neonatal care unit, and the Patient Care Team Award, which was given to Lilliput.