A NURSE who helped two babies and their distressed mums has been nominated as a shining example of the healthcare profession today.Ipswich Hospital neontal unit nurse Sharon Brittain went the extra mile in her dedicated care for Ryan Jeffs and Kallum Moore, and as a result the boys' mothers have put her forward for The Evening Star's Patient's Award.

A NURSE who helped two babies and their distressed mums has been nominated as a shining example of the healthcare profession today.

Ipswich Hospital neontal unit nurse Sharon Brittain went the extra mile in her dedicated care for Ryan Jeffs and Kallum Moore, and as a result the boys' mothers have put her forward for The Evening Star's Patient's Award.

Ryan's mum, Joanne Wilkinson, said she and her partner, Martin, 26, had been extremely worried when their little boy developed jaundice and turned bright orange following his birth in October.

Mother-of-three Ms Wilkinson, 27, of Downing Close, Ipswich, said: “He was sent straight to the neonatal unit and it was quite scary.

“Sharon was so nice and it really made the difference while I went through all the emotions.

“She was only too happy to explain anything to us and she did so with empathy and patience. She showed she was a very dedicated nurse who is an asset to the neonatal unit and who we believe deserves this recognition as she is a very hardworking nurse.”

Another patient to praised Ms Brittain was Tracey Moore, whose son Kallum spent six days in the neonatal unit with an infection and jaundice.

Ms Moore, of Richmond Road, Ipswich, also nominated fellow neonatal nurse Sharon Hynard for The Evening Star's Patient's Award.

She said: “It's not nice knowing your newborn baby is going to the special care unit, but for me and my partner both Sharons made us feel at ease with the whole thing.

“They both were very caring towards Kallum and answered any questions that we had.

“With the kindness and care that they both showed we were glad that Kallum was being looked after by them.”

This year's winner of The Evening Star's Patient's Award will be presented with their award, along with other winners from the hospital's awards, at the Celebrating Our Stars Award Evening on Thursday, April 24.

Have staff at Ipswich Hospital helped save or transform your life? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.