Clinical Nurse Specialist Joe Colby has won a prestigious award in recognition of his ‘vision and drive’ to improve nutrition services.

Joe was named Nutrition Nurse of the Year at the 2019 British Journal of Nursing awards, beating off two leading experts to scoop the top prize.

It is the second time Joe has been in contention for the award, as he was also shortlisted in 2013.

The award was given to Joe based on his overall contribution and efforts to developing and improving the nutrition nursing service, spearheading developments such as the day care peg service at University Hospital.

It was presented during a special ceremony held at the Underglobe in London.

Joe, who is also a Trustee for the Nightingale Trust, said: “I was amazed and overwhelmed at the response from patients and on social media.

“I wasn’t expecting to be there at all so it was nice to just be a part of the ceremony - winning the award was such a shock.

“I’ve been in my post for 18 years and thanks to the Trust, I’ve been allowed to develop the role as I’ve seen fit.

“It was a very worthy category and the award could have gone to any of the finalists, I wasn’t expecting it at all.

“I was nominated for the same award in 2013 and was a runner up, so being nominated again six years later and winning it reinforces that what I’m doing is right."