A nurse who transformed the care of hip and knee replacement patients so they recover almost twice as quickly has been given a top award.

Senior orthopaedics nurse Elaine Paul, from Hale, played a vital role in introducing a new programme for patients at Trafford General last autumn. 

Those undergoing treatment now attend education sessions before surgery so they know what to expect and are taught exercises to aid their recovery.

It has meant patients are well enough to go home after just three days on average, compared with the national average of seven. 

Elaine, 45, was named senior nurse of the year at Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust’s 2011 celebration of nursing awards.

And her colleague Hazel Faulkner, 46, from Sale, won the specialist nurse of the year title for her role in ensuring record numbers of hospital workers were vaccinated against flu. Last winter two in three staff had the vaccine.

Elaine said: “I love my job. Working with patients is extremely rewarding and helping them get better gives me a real sense of joy and satisfaction. 

“Winning the award was a massive shock but I feel immensely honoured to have been recognised in this way.”

Morag Olsen, the hospital trust’s interim chief executive, said: “Being a good nurse requires compassion and energy, as well as sound clinical expertise and a determination to play an active part in continuously improving patient care. 

“I am proud of the dedication and spirit that our award winners and their colleagues bring to work each day.”

The awards were presented by Jane Cummings, chief nurse of NHS North of England.

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