Top award for newly graduated nursing apprentice

The entrants were chosen by a panel of judges, who highlighted the most innovative, impactful, and inspiring individuals and organisations in the nursing and midwifery sector.

Siofra Mckeon Erskine, who studied for her Adult Nursing Apprenticeship at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, was one of nine shortlisted for the Apprentice Nurse of the Year.

On being given the award, Siofra was described as "A true changemaker and rising star, she is reshaping conversations in nursing with compassion and purpose. Her unwavering commitment to patient-centred care is the foundation of all she does - advocating not only for patients, but also for staff and students alike. With a natural charisma and a strong voice for inclusivity, she is already making a profound impact. A future Head of Nursing in the making, and without a doubt, one to watch on the national stage."

Taimar Hyman, who also recently graduated from Leeds Beckett was also shortlisted in the category.

Zoe Lambert, Course Director in the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University, said: "We're delighted that Siofra has been awarded the Apprentice Nurse of the Year - it's very well deserved.

"Both Siofra and Taimar were nominated in recognition of their outstanding commitment to professionalism and their dedication to patients and patient safety throughout their apprenticeship. They both excelled in both their academic studies and their clinical placements and have been a source of support for others on the nursing programme.

"Congratulations to them both for being nominated and to Siofra for winning - we're very proud of them."

Find out more about studying a nursing apprenticeship at Leeds Beckett.