A NURSE who works at Worcester’s main hospital has been named best cardiac nurse.

Paul Dewdney, who spent 10 years working in retail management and a further three years in financial sales before moving into healthcare, won the heart news award for the best cardiac care nurse at Birmingham City University’s Health and Social Care Awards 2010.

The 47-year-old, who is currently working as a nurse in the coronary care unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester, picked up the award at a prize-giving ceremony at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The award was established by the university hospital trustee committee in July 2002 and is awarded to the most promising nurse studying the care of cardiac patients.

Tutor Maria Kisiel, head of department adult and critical care nursing, said Mr Dewdney was “an excellent student” who “really wanted to make a difference to patient care”.

“I’m sure he will have a bright future,” she said.

Mr Dewdney’s employers chose him to study at Birmingham City University for a bridging qualification to upgrade his nursing diploma to a degree after they were impressed with his commitment to the job.

As a result of his hard work not only has he gained the qualification, which he studied for while holding down his day job, but has been promoted to charge nurse which is equivalent to the post of sister.

After spending time in retail and financial circles, Mr Dewdney started spending his weekends working in healthcare 12 years ago and decided then that it was the career for him.

Mr Dewdney, who was born in Pershore, is married to Sue and between them they have five children.

He said he was pleased to have won the award.

“It is always worthwhile to set higher goals in any sphere of endeavour, so I am very much in favour of such awards for students,” he said.