AN Atherton nurse has won a prestigious award at the Great North West Care Awards.

Nicola Johnstone, who works for Belong Atherton as a lead nurse, was crowned winner of the ‘palliative care award’ which aims to recognise and celebrate people who provide excellent standards to older people.

Nicola had previously won recognition for her work by winning two awards in the recent 'Hospice in your Care Home Awards' and organised by Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

Earlier this year, she was also accorded a gold standard for her care at end-of-life.

Part of Nicola's duties include support for household staff and families to sensitively discuss difficult, but necessary, end-of-life decisions and leads her team in providing emotional as well as practical support.

Nicola is highly regarded by local professionals, including GP's, hospice professionals and the team at Wigan Infirmary.

She works alongside multidisciplinary teams to improve palliative care in the care home setting and reduce the number of unsafe hospital discharges.

Julie Washington, general manager at Belong Atherton said: "I am not surprised that Nicola has won this award and is now a national finalist in the Great British Care Awards.

"We wish her the best of luck in the final stage of the competition!”

The award winners will be announced at a gala dinner in April 2017, after attending the final round of interviews.

Pictured - Nicola (3rd left), with her colleagues at the awards event.