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An online peer support network set up by a former student at the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ has won a global award for excellence.

Ricky Baker started the Children & Young People Student Nurse Network during his studies at the University, to help other student children’s nurses to connect with each other.

The network has grown from strength to strength and continues to be run by students, who volunteer their own time to provide peer support and educational materials to student nurses across the UK.

Ricky, who is now a fully qualified Children’s Nurse, having graduated last year, said: “The network was fundamental during Covid-19. Not only did we keep people connected, we educated and kept students up-to-date with relevant information and alleviated any anxieties they were experiencing. We have had an overwhelming amount of support from lecturers up and down the country, and this sees our network advertised to child nursing students in both educational and NHS settings across the UK.”

Ricky’s efforts saw him become the recipient of a global healthcare award for 'excellence in nursing and midwifery' as well as being selected as a finalist in the national Nursing Times and Royal College of Nursing (RCNi) Awards. He also went onto win the Good Nurse Award in the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards.

Now, the whole team at the Children & Young People Student Nurse Network have won the 'Rising Star' award at the Zenith Global Healthcare Awards. The awards celebrate excellence in healthcare, acknowledging and celebrating fellow healthcare and allied healthcare professionals for their commitment and dedication.

“To win this award, and to be recognised globally is an amazing achievement, and it all began whilst I was a student and is thanks to the support and encouragement I received from the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ,” Ricky said. “I am proud to continue to represent the University, both locally and nationally, and now even across the globe.”

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