A Carmarthenshire hospice nurse has won the Nurse of the Year award for the independent sector. Kiera Jones, from Llanarthne, is the lead nurse at Skanda Vale Hospice in Saron, which provides free care to adults with life-limiting illnesses and palliative care needs. She was one of four nurses in the region to receive professional recognition at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales award ceremony in Cardiff.
Donna Major won the award for Adult Nursing, Bianca Oakley won the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales award, and Claire Hurlin received the Lifetime Achievement award. Skanda Vale Hospice said it was 'immensely proud' of Kiera's achievement. The RCN said: "Kiera is a dedicated and passionate advocate for person-centred palliative care.
"She works extra hours voluntarily and has raised more than £13,000 for the independent, six-bedded hospice unit." Ms Jones said: "I feel really honoured to have received this award. "I am proud to be a nurse and am passionate about palliative care and offering truly person-centred care to patients and their loved ones.
"The support that we offer to patients and their families is only possible because we have an amazing team of people offering their skills and time. "Skanda Vale Hospice is a fantastic place to work, and we look forward to being able to expand our service further and to more people." The hospice is volunteer-led and opened in 2004 to provide a day service.
It also offers a remote companion service, respite stays, and month.
