Inspirational intensive care nurse awarded

Jan Meredith (centre) always went above and beyond, said her colleague who nominated her for a Cavell Star

A nurse who has helped train hundreds of students at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital's intensive care unit (ITU) has been awarded for her work.

Jan Meredith has been a nurse for nearly 48 years and has dedicated her professional life to nursing and education, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said.

A colleague decided to nominated her for a Cavell Star award because of "her dedication and commitment over her long career".

Ms Meredith, who is retiring, began nursing in 1977 and said she "absolutely loved it" after not really knowing what she wanted to do. She has spent most of her career in intensive care nursing.

"I like learning about illnesses. I learnt so much stuff and couldn't get enough of it," Ms Meredith said.

"I was always pushing myself to do more. I just love working with people."

"I found that people were very unreceptive to students and I changed the way that we looked after students.

"They are the ones we need and they are our future. If people didn't teach me, we would not have nurses of the future who can provide the best possible care for our patients."

Earlier this year, Ms Meredith was also nominated in the Practice Supervisor of the Year category at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2025

Cavell Star Awards recognise nurses and midwives who "shine bright and show exceptional care" to patients, patients' families or colleagues.

Donna Clark, lead nurse for education and who nominated her for the award, said she was an amazing person and always went above and beyond.

"Jan is such a worthy winner of the Cavell Star for her dedication and commitment over her long career to her colleagues, ensuring they are always supported and listened to," she said.

"She is always striving to be the best teammate and educator possible through compassion and excellence. She is an inspiration."