ONE woman who embodies the care and dedication of NHS staff is Ria Betteridge, last year’s Nurse of the Year for the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

Mrs Betteridge, from Deddington, was nominated by colleagues as part of the hospital’s internal awards for her work managing the team that specialises in the treatment of open wounds.

The advanced nurse practitioner said: “It was a shock to find out I was nominated – I don’t think anybody expects these things, but it is nice to feel valued and supported by the team around you. It is very important to me, I am very proud I am a nurse.

“I think we can make a big difference to people at a time when they are very vulnerable.

“It is the best feeling when a wound heals.”

Sarah Kidd-May, a divisional nurse in the musculoskeletal and rehabilitation division, said: “We were delighted but not at all surprised to find that Ria had been nominated for the Nurse of the Year award.

“Ria is an exceptional leader whose determination and passion for her job has successfully focused attention on the important area of tissue viability and improved care for our patients.”