A Stockport NHS health visitor has been shortlisted for the national title of ‘Public Health Nurse of the Year’ for her outstanding support for local children.

Sara Jackson was nominated in the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2023 which celebrate the best in nursing care from across the country.

Sara has been in nursing for over 25 years, and with the Stockport NHS community team for the last six years. She is the Start Well Team Leader for Brinnington and Marple, providing community-based NHS healthcare for children and young people in these areas.

She provides leadership for health visitor and Start Well colleagues working in the Stockport Family Service, while working closely in partnership Stockport Council, schools, colleges, early years settings, and other groups to help provide high quality support for vulnerable children and young people.

Sara has been praised for her guidance, expertise, oversight, and knowledge of the area local area and families. She is able to identify complex family dynamics and identify patterns so that potential risks to vulnerable children can be accurately assessed, and support can be given to those who need it. She is also commended as a supportive leader and colleague, with one health visitor saying ‘I have never in my career felt more supported and valued by a manager’.

Nic Firth, Chief Nurse for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said “Our health visitors and Start Well colleagues play a hugely important role in providing support for local children and young people and their parents and carers, and protection for the vulnerable where it is needed. Sara provides excellent leadership in Brinnington and Marple for providing this support, and it really is a much deserved recognition for her to be up for the title of ‘Public Health Nurse of the Year’.”

The British Journal of Nursing Awards winners will be announced at a ceremony on 24th March at The Banking Hall, London.