A MENTAL health nurse has won national recognition.

Aileen Coomber was named Bank Nurse of the Year at the RCNi Nurse awards. These recognise excellence in nursing care across the country and are considered the profession’s top accolade.

Mrs Coomber is pictured centre left receiving her award from TV presenter Kate Garraway and Karen Barraclough from NHS Professionals.

Mrs Coomber has dedicated more than six decades to caring for patients.

She works as a bank staff nurse at Shepherd House in Worthing. This is an inpatient recovery unit for people experiencing psychosis and is run by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

She was nominated by ward manager Sarah Cramp for being a constant example to those around her of how to deliver care at its best.

Speaking after her win Mrs Coomber said: “It was so unexpected.

“At first I didn’t hear my name being called as I was focusing on the nominee I thought would take home the award.”