A MILLOM nurse has been awarded for going above and beyond a patient whilst off duty.

Julie Barnes, a nurse working for Millom Community Hospital was given the Cavell Star Award, a nominated medal for nurses who have excelled in the care giving they provide.

She was presented the award after taking time out of her day off duty to assist ambulance crews at the home of an elderly gentleman who lived on her street.

Ms Barnes said: “One day I noticed the ambulance outside his house so I went over to talk with the wife and the paramedics.

“The elderly man had become unconscious and the carers were concerned so had called the paramedics. I showed them the care plan and reassured them that the gentleman wished to be at home, so I was pleased to divert this unnecessary hospital journey.”

“If he had been taken to the hospital he would have surely died there against his wishes.”

She was nominated for the award following this event by her colleague Pauline Preston, Business Manager for the Integrated Community Care Group at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.