A HOSPITAL matron has won a top award in memory of a late friend and colleague.

Helen Rogerson was named the winner of the Jilly Wilcox-Jones award at a glittering gala evening at Venue Cymru to mark the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Achievement Awards (BCUHB).

Helen, a matron for Older Persons Mental Health Services in Conwy and Denbighshire, was recognised for her commitment to lifelong learning and her efforts to improve the care and support available to patients. This has included overseeing refurbishment of the Tegid Ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital's Ablett Unit, which has improved the environment for patients with dementia, and of the Bryn Hesketh Unit in Colwyn Bay.

The special award was set up in memory of Jilly Wilcox-Jones, a former nurse who had dedicated her working life to supporting people with mental health problems. The mum-of-three from Nantyglyn died in April 2016 after developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Helen said: "It’s a great honour as I used to work alongside Jilly at the North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, so to be given this award in her memory means so much more."

Karen Jowitt, service manager for Older Persons Mental Health Services in Conwy and Denbighshire, nominated Helen for the award.

She said: "Helen has progressed and flourished throughout her career and her commitment to her patients is her number one priority every day that she comes into work.”

Andy Wilcox-Jones, Jilly’s husband, added: "We as a family are delighted that Helen Rogerson has won the award in memory of Jilly. Helen is someone who has worked extremely hard in her career and has achieved great success, which is so well deserved."