A NURSE has scooped a national award for her work to improve the lives of people with HIV.

Michelle Croston, an HIV nurse specialist from North Manchester General Hospital, won the National HIV Nurses Association (NHIVNA) Gilead HIV Nursing Award for 2017.

The awards were set up in 2007 to recognise the achievements of nurses who have made a significant or unique contribution to the care and quality of life of people with HIV.

Ms Croston has instigated collaboration with the British Psychological Society, which has resulted in a national audit of psychological care for People Living with HIV/AIDS and the development of an education innovation for nurses.

She has also been instrumental in developing an academy of leadership for HIV nurses, through NHIVNA.

Ms Croston said: “I am very proud to be recognised in this way by the NHIVNA and it is an honour to have won the award when the competition was so high.

"I’d like to thanks all my colleagues at North Manchester General Hospital and the NHIVNA for its support.”

Dr Katherine Ajdukiewicz, clinical director and consultant for infectious diseases and tropical medicine at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which manages North Manchester General Hospital, said: “I am delighted for Michelle, who is an enthusiastic and motivated HIV nurse specialist.

"She thoroughly deserves this award as she is compassionate and has extensive knowledge of this field of nursing.

"Michelle has worked tirelessly to improve the care of patients and the knowledge and skills of nurses working within the speciality of HIV nursing.”