A NURSE from Poole has won an award for "going above and beyond" for her patients.

Heidi Croucher is a Smoking in Pregnancy Specialist Midwife at Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, supporting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancies and after their births to stop smoking through a quit programme.

Her dedication to her role has seen her scoop a Cavell Star Award - an accolade launched in 2018 by nursing charity Cavell Nurses' Trust and LloydsPharmacy Clinical Homecare. Each winner receives a medal, presentation case and pin badge, as well as invites to attend special Care & Cake parties celebrating the nation's nursing professionals.

Heidi's colleague and professional midwifery advocate Jillian Ireland said: "Quit rates for pregnant smokers at the hospital have increased dramatically since Heidi took up her post. She is very committed to helping women who face the difficult task of tackling a strong smoking addiction at a very stressful time in their lives.

"I am bowled over by her compassion for those women who are often the least privileged and who are used to being regarded as the least able and motivated to make healthy changes.”

Heidi added: "I’ve always liked working with vulnerable families and I love that I work really closely with pregnant women at a really vulnerable time of their lives. I feel privileged that I can support and educate them through their pregnancy and birth process.

“I was touched that my midwifery team nominated me for the award, they are really important to me. We’re like a big family.”

Healthcare professionals wishing to nominate a nurse, midwife or HCA for a Cavell Star Award can find out more at cavellstarawards.org