Nurse Joanne's a Star performer

FROM BATTLING KIDNEY DISEASE TO INSPIRING THOSE AROUND HER

- By KRISTIE MCCRUM

A NURSE who once battled a chronic kidney disease while pursuing her nursing studies has been recognised with a national award.

Lead clinical educator Joanne Iceton, who works in the cardiothoracic critical care unit (CICU) at The James Cook University Hospital, scooped the prestigious Cavell Star Award for being an inspirational leader to staff and providing high-quality nursing care to patients.

Cavell Star Awards are national awards given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who show exceptional care to either their colleagues or their patients and patients' families.

Joanne, known as Jo to staff members, said: "I am overwhelmed to have been presented with a Cavell Star Award for supporting colleagues in practice."

Since childhood, Joanne has aspired to become a nurse and to serve her community.

But at the age of 15, the Guisborough resident was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, a condition where the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood.