Tireless nurse from Royal Preston Hospital recognised at awards ceremony

Anu Thomas, right, with, centre, Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS England, and, left, Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS Wales — Anu Thomas, right, with Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS England and, left, Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS Wales. Pic: LTHTR

A consultant nurse at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for her work at the RCN awards in Liverpool.

Anu Thomas, Consultant Nurse and Clinical Lead for Stroke at the Trust, helped set up the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA) which provides pastoral support for international nurses.

BINA was set up in 2020, growing from 200 to over 4,000 members in three years. The members are from different regions but work together to use expert advice and help connect international nurses with people of similar backgrounds, supporting them with their careers.

At the RCN awards, Anu represented BINA, celebrating the remarkable growth of the Association at the ceremony in Liverpool Cathedral.

BINA were finalists in the Team of the Year category, however, the Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) in Hounslow claimed the award on the night.

Anu, who moved to the UK from India 17 years ago, said: “BINA exists to provide a support network for new Indian nurses to help them adapt to change quicker and to help them to stay within the NHS.

“It was a privilege to attend the RCN awards night at Liverpool Cathedral, with BINA shortlisted for the Team of the Year. Although, unfortunately, we didn’t win, I had a great time meeting some of our national leaders, including Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS England, and Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS Wales.

“It was a great platform for BINA, and to be one of the finalists was an award in itself!

“I am so proud to be a BINA member, and at the same time, proud to be representing Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. I want to bring all the learning from the awards night back to my organisation and utilise that. Celebrating success is a boosting energy for me, being a finalist is huge recognition, and a motivation to do more.”

Chief Nursing Officer at the Trust, Sarah Cullen, said: “Anu has worked tirelessly to create a strong professional profile of the work BINA does. Her leadership in our organisation and nationally is very much appreciated and motivates colleagues at all levels of the organisation, I feel fortunate to be working alongside Anu.”