A SOMERSET nurse has been given the 'Above and Beyond' Community Nurse Award for her outstanding contributions to care.

Previously a nurse at the Wellington Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home, Simona Ionita was recently recognised for her efforts with the award presented by NHS England South West.

Simona, the clinical lead for enhanced health in care homes (EHCH) at Taunton Deane West Primary Care Network (PCN) Wellington Medical Centre and Luson and Lister Surgery, has been honoured with the award in recognition of her exceptional dedication and contributions to the local healthcare system.

This award celebrates her tireless efforts to improve care standards, drive innovation, and promote collaboration across the health and social care sectors.

Simona has led Quality Improvement projects, focusing on digital innovation, including the successful implementation of Proxy Access across all care homes in Wellington and Wiveliscombe, allowing staff to securely access residents' GP records and order prescriptions directly, improving the efficiency and accuracy of care.

Through her clinical leadership, Simona has actively participated in Quality Assurance reviews and reports alongside the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), ensuring that care homes not only meet but exceed expected standards of care.

Simona expressed her gratitude and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of her team: "I am incredibly honoured to receive this award. It truly reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in delivering exceptional care.”

Dr Rachel Yates, PCN clinical director, is a key figure in Simona's journey and the driving force behind the success of the Taunton Deane West PCN.

Simona added: "Dr. Yates is an inspiration to all of us. Her leadership, passion for innovation, and deep commitment to patient care have set the tone for everything we do.”

Simona has acted as a clinical lead for the Primary Care Network Taunton Deane West for over three years. Having begun her work in care as a nurse in Romania, she started work in Wellington at Chelston Park Nursing and Residential Home in 2011.

She recently completed her master’s degree in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Plymouth.