Local nurse shortlisted for national award

The Nursing Times Workforce Summit & Awards aims to recognise individuals and teams who demonstrate excellence and innovation in workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and development within the nursing profession.

Lisa Clarke, who qualified as a nurse in 2003, has been shortlisted for the Nurse Manager of the Year award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication to patient care, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

Lisa, aged 54 from Walsall, has worked as a nurse in the Black Country for more than 21 years, starting her nursing career as a community district nurse in Sandwell. She is currently a practice nurse and divisional lead nurse for Modality Partnership, Walsall, as well as a diabetes nurse specialist for Pleck and Darlaston Health Centre.

Lisa said: “I was quite late coming into nursing, later than some of my peers. When I first qualified, I spent 13 years working as a district and community nurse in Sandwell, whilst also working as an out of hours clinical lead for the twilight service. It was pretty full on, but I loved it, and when the service was decommissioned, I decided to look at practice nursing. I then joined the Modality Partnership Walsall team as a practice nurse in 2015 and in 2019 took up my lead nurse divisional role, which covers nine practices in Walsall.

“I was shocked when I found out that the team I work with at Modality Partnership Walsall had nominated me for this award, and even more so when I was shortlisted to the final. It was really touching to hear what my colleagues think of me, which I think is better than any award I could win.

“To be honest I feel like a fraud to be up for an award as I haven’t got to where I am by myself. I’ve had incredible support from those around me since I qualified as a nurse, and I work with an amazing team around me who have been extremely supportive.

“To do this job I truly believe that you’ve got to have fire in your belly and passion. Nursing is a very rewarding career and working in primary care makes such a difference to people’s lives. I feel like I’ve learnt so much over the last 21 years, and my aim is to be the best leader I can be and pass on what I’ve learnt to other people.”

Dr Ravi Sandhu, Walsall Modality’s Executive Partner, said: “Lisa works incredibly hard as a mentor for our nursing team and is always encouraging them. She leads by example and it has been great to see her development. Good luck Lisa - you are a winner in our eyes!”

Sarb Basi, Director of Primary Care the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Congratulations to Lisa on her shortlisting for such a prestigious award.

"This highlights her outstanding contribution to patient care and the important role nurses play in primary care. She is a brilliant ambassador not only for practice nurses but also the wider nursing community.”