A Children’s Epilepsy Specialist Nurse has paid tribute to the team around her after being named as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Sally Tyler, who works for Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C), will receive the honour in recognition for services to nursing and the care she provides for children with epilepsy. It is the second time she has been honoured by royalty, as she attended a Queen’s Garden Party in 2008 in recognition of her work.

Sally learnt of her nomination four weeks ago, and was sworn to secrecy until today. She is now hoping to find out who nominated her so that she can thank them personally, and is looking forward to collecting the award later this year alongside her husband Greg and children Oliver (24) and Amy (20).

“I was in shock after I received the letter telling me I’d been nominated, and thought it was a practical joke to begin with,” said Sally, 50, who lives in Barnham Broom. “It wasn’t until I saw it in print on New Year’s Eve that it actually started to sink in.

“I am really pleased to accept it for Children’s Epilepsy and on behalf of our team. There are lots of unsung heroes out there and I couldn’t do my job without their support – it is through working as a team that we are able to deliver such a good service and that makes me very proud.

“I’ve had lots of support from my family but would also like to thank Julia Shirtliffe,  Bliss nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), and Dr Richard Beach, who has now retired after working as a Consultant Paediatrician and Lead of the Children’s Epilepsy Service since 1998, for the help they have given me over the years. Without that support, encouragement and advice, I wouldn’t have got where I am today.”

Sally has worked as a Children’s Epilepsy Specialist Nurse since 2001, and provides a holistic service for young people aged up to 19 in Central Norfolk. As well as holding clinics at the NNUH, she sees patients within the community, delivers awareness training in schools and nurseries and provides support for carers and family members.

“Epilepsy is very common, and affects around one in every 200 children,” explained Sally. “The  majority will outgrow the condition, but some children do not and support and management of the condition is key.

“Seizures can be very scary, not just for the patient but for those around them, so I do a lot of work with schools/nurseries and family members so they know what to expect and what to do when someone does have a seizure.

“It’s a very wide-ranging job and I love the variety it brings. I really enjoy working with the children, their families and carers, as well as my fantastic colleagues across the NHS.”

Sally’s latest honour comes after she was presented with a clinical excellence accolade in the NCH&C REACH (Recognition of Excellence and Achievement in Community Heath) Awards 2011 in recognition of her high standards of care and the exceptional personal contribution she makes in her role.

Anna Morgan, Director of Nursing and Quality with NCH&C, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sally has been recognised in this way. She provides a fantastic service to children and young people with epilepsy, as well as their families and carers, and ensures they receive the treatment, advice and support they need to live with the condition.

“News of Sally’s honour is a fantastic way to start 2015 and our congratulations go to her and her team.”

www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk

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