A NURSING student described as a 'rising star' by her placement colleagues has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Sally-Anne Dicken, a third year learning disability nursing student at Birmingham City University was nominated for the Nursing Times 'Learning Disability Student Nurse of the Year' award.

She was put forward by colleagues from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust after her time spent on placement in Worcestershire’s learning disability respite units.

The award aims to recognise and celebrate the unique nature of learning disabilities nursing, in which the focus is on encouraging people with a learning disability to participate in society and to promote and maintain health and wellbeing.

She impressed the team at Osborne Court in Malvern with her "forward thinking and creative solutions" to maximising the independence of people with a learning disability.

While on placement at Churchview, a purpose built Adult Short Breaks Unit in Bromsgrove, she also raised funds towards the creation of a new sensory garden for service users, their families, and staff to enjoy.

Claire Bubb, replacement care services manager, said: "Sally-Anne has made a lasting impression on the staff and service users at our adult replacement care services.

"She is a rising star whose values and determination will make for an exceptional learning disability nurse."

Sally-Anne describes nursing as a ‘long-held ambition’ which was made a reality after attending an open day at Birmingham City University.

Using her past experience as a learning disability and mental health support worker, together with her drive to become a nurse Sally-Anne knew learning disability nursing was the career for her.

Throughout her studies she has advocated for people with a learning disability, creating campaigns and initiatives to improve their experiences within healthcare settings and ensure that their voices are heard.

She said: "Becoming a learning disability nurse is my opportunity to fulfil a long held ambition of making a positive difference to the care provided to people.

"I am humbled to be shortlisted for this award, but ultimately want to use this as an opportunity to further promote learning disability awareness and encourage others to listen to the voice of people with a learning disability.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at an event in London on November 4.