AN INSPIRING nurse in South Gloucestershire has been named as one of the most impactful nurses and midwives in the NHS.

Senior nurse David Pugh, who works at Warmley-based care provider Sirona has been shortlisted as one of the NHS's 75 most influential nurses and midwives.

The list of clinicians was chosen by the Nursing Times to celebrate the health service’s 75th birthday, and David has been included for making an “especially significant impact on the NHS”.

David has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years, starting as a healthcare assistant before starting his nursing training in 2001. 

He went on to complete a degree-level district nursing course and a postgraduate certificate in NHS leadership.

He is now Sirona's Assistant Locality Director for South Gloucestershire, helping provide care for adults and children at home and at school. 

David said: "It's a true honour to be included in the Nursing Times' NHS 75 impact list. 

"Throughout my career, I have been continually impressed by the passion and commitment of the community nursing teams that I work alongside and that I've  managed. 

“I am so pleased that I chose community nursing as my specialist sphere of practice – it is vital and rewarding in equal measure.

"I am forever trying to make things better for my colleagues and those in our care. I always hope that whatever I do makes a difference, and I like to believe a lot of it does.

"To anyone considering a career in community nursing, go for it! 

“There are so many opportunities to further your career and develop as a person - it is the best career choice in the world."

David's entire nursing career has been in community nursing. 

He has served as chair of the National District Nurse Network and founded the South Bristol Primary Care Home Collaborative Leg Clinic.

David also helped launched a vaccination centre during the 2009 swine flu pandemic and Supported Sirona's response to the pandemic. 

Earlier this year, David was given the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Award for Outstanding Service by the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

Mary Lewis, Sirona's Chief Nursing Officer, said: "David's inclusion on such a list is  testament to his outstanding contribution to community nursing in Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire – and indeed across the country. 

“He has improved people's lives across the region for over 30 years, and somehow still finds the time to champion the nursing profession and all who practise it.

"He contributes so much to our work here at Sirona and is a true pleasure to work with."