A nurse who has devoted much of her life to helping people with diabetes has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Trudi Towl, diabetic nurse specialist with the South Community Diabetes Team, was announced as the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Outstanding Service Contribution and Recognition Scheme (OSCARS) awards. The scheme recognises exceptional healthcare professionals and teams for their significant contributions.

Trudi was handed the gong at an awards ceremony held in Nottingham on Friday, July 5.

With over 27 years of dedicated service to the NHS, Trudi Towl has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to patient care and the advancement of diabetic healthcare. Her tireless efforts, both professional and personal, have influenced and inspired her colleagues and patients alike.

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On how it felt to win this prestigious award Trudi said: “I am extremely honoured and proud to have received the lifetime achievement award at this year’s Oscars and I am so humbled and speechless by the kind words spoken on the night.

“Diabetes is a very complex condition which is increasing in numbers year on year with people living with diabetes requiring input from several healthcare services during their lifetime. People living with diabetes prefer and deserve to have their care closer to home where they feel confident they can get the support they need in a timely manner. Therefore, providing education and mentorship to expand the skills and knowledge of our workforce is paramount to obtaining optimal outcomes for our patients and easing the increasing burden on acute services.

“It really is an honour to have the work I have done over the years recognised and appreciated, and I will continue, alongside my wonderful diabetes specialist nursing colleagues across the County to strive to improve diabetes care within Nottinghamshire.

“I would just like to say a big thank you for the nomination and to everyone for the kindness they showed me on the night.”

Paul Devlin, Chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare, expressed the sentiment of the evening: “It is crucial that we recognise the extraordinary contributions of individuals like Trudi. Her dedication and passion for patient care over nearly three decades have profoundly impacted healthcare provision and set a benchmark for excellence.”

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Full List of Winners:

• Unsung Hero Award – Non Clinical: Kyle Shim-Thomas, Family Liaison Officer, Nottinghamshire
• Unsung Hero Award – Clinical: Jasmine Downing, Deputy Ward Manager, Arnold Lodge, Leicestershire
• Leadership Award: Robert Mooken, Head of Quality Surveillance, Trustwide
• Team of the Year Award – Non Clinical: Blossomwood Catering Team, Blossomwood Mental Health Unit, Mansfield
• Team of the Year Award – Clinical: Eden Ward, Rampton Hospital, Retford
• Quality Improvement Award: Kay Richardson, Community Staff Nurse, Rushcliffe Community Nursing Team
• Outstanding Care and Compassion Award: CAMHS Family Therapy Team, Hopewood, Nottinghamshire
• Volunteer of the Year Award: CAMHS MHST Involvement and Participation Champions, Nottinghamshire
• Environmental Impact Award: Procurement Team and Communications Team, Trustwide
• Educator of the Year Award: Resuscitation Team, Trustwide
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Lola Ayodele, Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Services for Older People City Mental Health Team
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Trudi Towl, Diabetic Nurse Specialist, South Community Diabetes Team