Sister Joanne McMahon with colleagues at Solihull Hospital

A NURSING sister at Solihull Hospital was over the moon when she discovered she had won a top award.
But Joanne McMahon had barely sat down in her seat at the presentation ceremony at Heartlands Hospital when she discovered she had won another one.
Sister McMahon, who hails from Tipperary, first received the award for Clinical Excellence - a framed certificate - from Central TV anchorman Bob Warman.
She then stepped up to receive the trophy for Outstanding Achievement from Clive Wilkinson, chairman of the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Heartlands and Solihull hospitals.
During the presentation, Mark Goldman, chief executive of the trust, praised Sister McMahon.
She said: "It was marvellous to get just one award, but two on the same night...well, I was over the moon!
"Anyone working in the hospitals - doctors, nurses, ancillary staff - is eligible for an award in recognition of their work. It's a great honour and is treasured by all those who receive one."
Sister McMahon has spent her entire nursing career - 34 years - at the two hospitals, starting at Heartlands when it was known as East Birmingham Hospital.
For the past 16 years she has been night sister at Solihull, which means she is responsible for running the whole hospital overnight.
"It's a very demanding job, taking in all management clinical issues, but I love it," said Sister McMahon. "In fact I have loved every minute of my time in nursing."
Sister McMahon was nominated by numerous colleagues, including fellow nurses, junior doctors and senior management.
She added: "It was such an honour and the support from my family and colleagues has been wonderful.
"I've put the framed certificate up in the night office at the hospital and the trophy is back at my house.
"My colleagues have put
up photographs of me around the ward and I
think that expresses their feeling."
Sister McMahon lives in Olton, Solihull, and has a son and a daughter and one grandchild.