A hospice director lauded as an "inspirational leader" has been honoured at an awards night.

Emma Dixon, director of clinical services at St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton, scooped the "Nurse Leader of the Year" accolade at the Nursing Times Awards.

The awards are presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their day-to-day roles.

The event was held in the five-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Wednesday, October 23.

Ms Dixon has more than 25 years of NHS acute, private, and voluntary clinical and senior operational management experience.

She was recognised for being a clinical leader who "provides inspiration and is a great example to others, is a clear benefit to her patients and colleagues, and recognises and addresses the needs of patients and colleagues".

She was also honoured for "clearly improving care or services, championing the needs of their patients and colleagues, and pioneering new and original solutions".

Ms Dixon was shortlisted for the award earlier this year after Emma Barclay, head of clinical services at the hospice, submitted an application on her behalf.

Emma Dixon receiving her award as Nurse Leader of the YearEmma Dixon receiving her Nurse Leader of the Year award (Image: Paparazzi VIP Photography)

Ms Dixon said: "It’s humbling to know that my work has been recognised.

"This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the incredible teams I have had the privilege to work alongside.

"This award is a testament to the importance of leadership in nursing, where our collective vision for progress and compassion can ignite real change.

"I am grateful to be part of a broader movement towards excellence and equality in hospice care."

Ms Dixon said she feels "incredibly fortunate" to work at the hospice, an organisation that has a "long-standing reputation for developing healthcare leaders".

She said: "The opportunities for growth and learning here have played a pivotal role in my journey.

"This award is a recognition of the unwavering support and inspiration I’ve received from the entire team at St Ann’s."

Ms Dixon also thanked Emma for nominating her and praised hospice CEO Rachel McMillan for her guidance throughout her career.

Ms McMillan, the hospice's chief executive officer, congratulated her.

She said: "We here at St Ann’s are over the moon that Emma has been recognised nationally for her talents, hard work, and dedication.

"Emma has been with us at St Ann’s since she took over my role as director of clinical services when I became the chief executive of the hospice in 2020.

"Emma has been an inspirational leader ever since.

"She joined us at a difficult time, one month before we went into the first lockdown due to the pandemic, and led the clinical team through that challenging time, and safely out the other side.

"She has proved time and time again to be an advocate for patients, putting their wishes and needs first, which is a value we keep close to our hearts here at St Ann’s.

"I congratulate Emma on her incredible achievement and long may her inspirational leadership continue."

Ms Dixon believes "this award is for not just her but everybody at St Ann’s Hospice".

She said: "I am so proud to work at St Ann’s, I absolutely love it, and I truly believe in everything we do.

"We have an incredible clinical team that I get to work alongside every day, and I couldn’t have done this without them."