A perinatal nurse specialist at a Suffolk NHS trust has been praised by an MP after winning a prestigious award. 

Perinatal nurse specialist Helen Jackson, of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), has been handed a regional award for Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery in the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2024.

Ms Jackson is a perinatal clinical nurse specialist, advanced nurse practitioner and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapist, who is said to go 'above and beyond' in her role, with dedication, passion and commitment. 

She was nominated by Matt Hancock, former MP for West Suffolk, who hoped to highlight Helen’s exceptional contribution to healthcare.

Nick Timothy, who became MP for West Suffolk following the general election, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Helen’s tireless commitment has been recognised with an NHS Parliamentary Award for nursing and midwifery.

"Our NHS carers show such dedication every single day, and this award is a fitting testament to Helen’s unremitting excellence in performing her vital role.”

Ms Jackson said: “I’m thrilled to win this award. It’s such a wonderful surprise and reflects all the hard work we as a team provide to support women and their families in what is the most amazing as well the most vulnerable time of their life.

"I feel privileged to support women during their antenatal and postnatal care. Most of all, the award recognises the value of trauma-informed care and supporting women through this life-changing moment in their lives.”

Anthony Deery, chief nurse with NSFT, said: “I am delighted Helen has been recognised for her outstanding work in improving antenatal care. Her energy, passion and dedication inspire everyone around her.

"She is highly regarded by service users and colleagues alike, and rightly so. She represents the very best of patient care and is a role model for our Trust’s vision to provide safer, kinder, better care."

Ms Jackson will now be going forward to the national awards. 

The NHS Parliamentary Awards were created in 2018 to celebrate the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector.

In the first stage of the awards, MPs nominate healthcare teams and individuals in their local area. 

National winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Monday 14 October 2024.