Former Royal Navy nurse hailed a national inspiration

A former Royal Navy nurse has been named as a national role model for her work in the NHS.

Sharon McCann, acting operational director at Solent NHS Trust, was honoured at the Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

Sharon, who was a nurse in the Royal Navy for 27 years before transitioning to the NHS in 2017, has been named the winner of the Role Model of the Year category for her forward-thinking approach to recruiting nurses and attracting Armed Forces veterans as part of that work.

The prestigious, national awards celebrate the achievements of ex-forces personnel who are now excelling in their second careers.

"My 27-year career in the Royal Navy as a nurse really shaped me as a person and it will always run through my veins,” said Sharon.

“Transitioning from the Armed Forces into Civvy Street is a big deal for a veteran and it requires patience and understanding from family and work colleagues.

“This would not be achieved without the NHS supporting, employing and valuing the vast array of skills and experiences that Armed Forces veterans bring to an organisation. I am proud to be a nurse, an armed forces veteran and for being a member of the Solent family."

Sharon's first civilian role was with Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust as an area matron. She joined Solent in March 2019.