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We are so proud of our Neonatal Intensive Care Ward Manager, Katie Barke, for her award of Nurse of the Year in the East of England Perinatal Awards 2026.

Awarded at a perinatal event day, Katie was surprised to have the certificate presented to her by Wendy Mathews, Chief Midwife and Liz Langham, Director of East of England Operational Delivery Network.

Katie said: “I am so privileged to work with such an amazing team, who is my work family.  I wouldn't have this award without them”.

Her nomination cited that the work ethos and family feel on NICU is a credit to her.  She truly cares about her staff and patients and their families, regularly assisting clinically on the unit to ensure staff get their breaks and enabling seamless discharge of complex patients. She he has also facilitated recruitment of a neonatal nurse counsellor who works with our psychologist supporting families who are learning to care for their babies - possibly the only regional unit with such a position. Katie has spearheaded maintaining the Trust's Bliss accreditation (the national Charity for the Newborn) along with our work towards gold and has facilitated and supported training for her team, welcoming student nursing and midwifery placements and inspiring potential new neonatal nurses.

Many congratulations, Katie, for a well-deserved award!