A NURSE from Reading, Bernice Boore, has won the inaugural South East Royal College of Nursing Black History Month ‘Making a Difference Award’.

60,000 members from across the region were invited to nominate colleagues who had made a real difference in the delivery of healthcare.

The award forms part of the region’s celebration of Black History Month in October.

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Cess Wigley, Black History Month Lead Coordinator in the region, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise the work that Bernice has done and to shine a light on her achievements.

“She has been nominated for her outstanding work during COVID-19, when she supported the renal team who were severely affected by COVID.

"She was instrumental in establishing kidney dialysis both in intensive care and on a day ward to create different pathways for patients with and without COVID.

"She has also been recognised for her inspirational leadership, her commitment to her work, and for her sensitive support of those recently bereaved.”

Bernice added: “It is an honour to be given this award by the RCN and I am humbled.

"Did I really win? I was only doing my job!

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“Thank you to Angela Clarke, Renal Matron and the whole renal team, Jessica Higson, Director of Nursing Networked Care and the whole team, and the entire Royal Berkshire Hospital for recognising my hard work.

"I am so thankful to the RCN judges, not only for their kind words but most importantly for choosing me as one of the winners among other brilliant nominees.

“I would like to thank my family for their support in my career.

"I would especially like to thank my late dad up there who, when I said I wanted to be a nurse, said: ‘Wonderful! I can see you going very far.’”