A much‑loved community nurse who has dedicated four decades to caring for people in Torbay and South Devon has been recognised nationally with a Royal stamp of approval.
Jenny Piedot, a Community Epilepsy Specialist Nurse, was just 18 when she first put on her nurse’s uniform. Now, 40 years later, she has received the prestigious Queen’s Nurse award for her services to community nursing.
During the past 40 years, Jenny has supported hundreds of local families and children, often from early childhood into adulthood.
She says: “Being a community nurse is a job that keeps me on my toes. It’s such a varied job; I get to work in patients’ homes, outpatient clinics, schools and colleges. I have worked closely with families, watching their children grow up and have continued to work with some as adults. I feel part of the fabric of my community, and I’m so proud to have played a small role in their lives.”
Jenny has spent the past 12 years working as a Community Epilepsy Specialist Nurse and prescriber in Torbay and previously worked as a community nurse for people with learning disabilities. In 1992 she set up the popular Saturday Club at a family centre in Newton Abbot offering respite care for children with complex care needs aged four to 18. It continues to run today.
She says: “The club is a cornerstone of support for local families and I’m really proud to have played my part in helping people to receive the care they need.”
The Queen’s Award is awarded to nurses who demonstrate consistently high standards of patient care, leadership, and a commitment to learning and recipients join a national community benefiting from workshops, bursaries, and professional support.
“It was a really lovely honour,” she said. “I didn’t tell anyone I had applied, it was a huge shock when I received the letter telling me I was receiving the award. It’s given me a chance to reflect upon my career, and I feel very proud of all I have achieved.
“Receiving this award on behalf of myself and my colleagues is a great recognition of all we do to serve our community. I work alongside caring and creative people, sometimes under huge pressure, but always with professionalism and kindness.”
Reflecting on her 40 years in nursing, Jenny says she has witnessed the NHS evolve and grow, but its core values remain unchanged. She says: “The NHS was still relatively young when I joined. It really feel it is one of the greatest and most valuable services to all people and I’m proud to work for the NHS – it’s incredible.”
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse Nicola McMinn said: “I am so incredibly proud Jenny, who has dedicated her life to caring for people in our community.
“Being a nurse is a privilege and none more so than working in our community where people welcome you into their homes to care for them and their loved ones. Jenny is a well-loved and much-valued member of our community and receiving the Queen’s Award for Community Nursing is a great recognition for all she has achieved.”
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