A COMMUNITY health nurse who covers the East Cornwall area has been presented with a prestigious national award for her hard work and dedication.

Sharon Eustice, nurse consultant for continence at Peninsula Community Health, has won the continence nurse of the year award at the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) awards.

Sharon was given national recognition for her work on the 'Femmeze', a feminine aid to help with prolapse problems.

Following a staff nursing role in secondary care in the late 80s, Sharon qualified as a district nurse and nurse practitioner. Over the years she undertook various roles, but eventually found herself holding the position of chair of the Association for Continence Advice and nurse consultant for bladder and bowel at Peninsula Community Health.

Sharon said: 'I am absolutely amazed to have won this award — it took me completely by surprise. I felt honoured enough to have been short listed!

'To win this is a reflection of the fabulous support from my team, the women who have provided valuable feedback, Peninsula Community Health for enabling me to fulfil my dedication to this particular piece of work (Femmeze), MDTi and all the people from the NHS who have helped over the years. Thank you.'

Chief executive Steve Jenkin said: 'Sharon demonstrates clinical excellence and innovation daily at Peninsula Community Health and we are delighted her skills have been nationall recognised.

'Her passion for patient-focused care has helped many people over the years and this award is well deserved.'