National award for St Thomas' Hospital nurse Liz Browse

The annual awards ceremony highlights and celebrates excellence in nursing. This year it was hosted by the comedian and actor Rufus Hound at the Savoy Hotel.

Born and brought up in London, Liz completed her nurse training at St Thomas' Hospital in 1970 and became a surgical ward sister in 1976.

She retired in 2010 but quickly returned to nursing after realising she missed the patients and their families, as well as her colleagues and the challenges of hospital life.

Now based in the gastrointestinal colorectal cancer nursing team at St Thomas' Hospital, Liz said: "I was very surprised to be nominated in the first place and now I'm speechless!

"The important thing is that the work of the colorectal nursing teams has been recognised, so I am delighted to have won."

There are around 700 nurses nominated each year for 15 awards in total.

Liz was nominated for the award by her colleague Fiona Hibberts, a consultant nurse she has worked with during her varied career.

Fiona said: "Liz is a fantastic member of the specialist nursing team and I nominated her specifically for her contribution during the last two years.

"She has demonstrated her flexibility and commitment to learning new skills in new environments and challenging situations. She is a truly deserving winner."

Karen Proctor, director of nursing for adult services at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, added: "It is a fantastic achievement for Liz to have won the bank nurse of the year award. She has dedicated herself to nursing for many years and we are delighted that her commitment has been recognised.

"Over the years Liz has demonstrated clinical excellence and innovation and has always put her patients ahead of her career. We are exceptionally proud of her."