A leading Exeter diabetes nurse has been awarded the international Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
Professor Maggie Shepherd of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and University of Exeter won the $250,000 (£200,000) prize ahead of over 50,000 medical colleagues from around the world.
The award was created in 2021 and aims to recognise the selfless contribution of nurses to patients worldwide.
As a founding member of the Exeter monogenic diabetes team, Shepherd’s research into the condition has led to improved recognition and treatment across the UK.
Speaking on her win she said: ‘ I am deeply humbled and grateful to receive the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. As healthcare professionals, we are privileged to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of our patients, and I feel blessed to be part of such a rewarding profession.’
Shepherd’s work in monogenic diabetes has allowed genetic findings to be translated into clinical care by informing diabetes teams across the UK with the latest knowledge and training from diagnosis to treatment.
Chief nursing officer of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Carolyn Mills congratulated Shepherd describing her work as ‘shaping the future’ of their services.
‘As a research-focused Trust that values innovation, we are privileged to collaborate with The University of Exeter on such exciting projects. Maggie's exceptional work in the field of monogenic diabetes has been a source of inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for her invaluable contributions’
The award ceremony was held on International Nurses Day which had a theme this year of ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’.
Commenting on this , Ms Alisa Moopen, deputy managing director at Aster DM healthcare said: ‘We as individuals and organizations must ensure that nurses receive the recognition they deserve, and this is where initiatives like Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award come into play. As a group, we will continue to support and celebrate the tireless efforts of nurses and put forth their inspiring stories of excellence.’