A LEADING nurse awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List has been praised as “an inspiration to many people working in healthcare”.

NHS Luton said Margaret Berry’s gong for services to healthcare is “thoroughly deserved” after a 31-year career leading nursing teams at hospitals across the East of England.

Today the Huntingdon resident, who is director of quality at the organisation and an executive nurse, coaches and mentors senior nurses and specialises in helping individuals tackle difficult situations.

She was previously head of public health leadership at the Department of Health and chief nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where she worked for nine years.

In addition she was director of nursing and quality at Princess Alexandra Hospital, in Harlow, and helped found the nursing branch of the Association of UK University Hospitals.

She is currently vice chair of the national organisation Leaders in Nursing.

“I feel very honoured to receive this recognition and continue to consider it a great privilege to contribute, both directly and indirectly, to the care of patients,” she said.

Angela McNab, chief executive of NHS Luton, nominated Ms Berry for the honour.

She said Ms Berry had made a “major contribution to nursing” by inspiring other nurse leaders on topics such as control of infections.

“Margaret is a modern leader with traditional values,” Ms McNab said.

“She has a passion for nursing, is dedicated to developing others and leads with a commitment to high standards of patient care.

“Margaret’s charisma has been an inspiration to many people working in healthcare. This is an honour she fully deserves.”

Also honoured in 2011 is Tracey Locke, human resources director for benefits and credits at HM Revenue and Customs.

The Little Paxton resident will be given an OBE later in the year.

“I am delighted and proud to be recognised in this way,” she said.

“Any achievement of mine is also a reflection on those colleagues I have worked with over the years.”