A mental health nurse says being recognised for her work shows that her role is needed.

Charlotte Steen is the fifth finalist to be shortlisted for the Hospital Hero category in Medway Maritime’s Star Award.

Though trained as a paediatric nurse, the 26-year-old took on the role of mental health liaison for the children’s emergency and inpatient departments a year ago.

She said: “I form a particular bond and rapport with my patients because if you don’t, you’re not going to have any affect on them.

“If they haven’t got that trust - especially in mental health patients - they’re not going to do what you ask.”

The Maidstone resident was nominated for the Kent Messenger sponsored award by the family of a young girl suffering with an eating disorder.

Her parents said Charlotte took the time to learn about their daughter’s interests and created quizzes on her favourite TV shows and singers to encourage her progress.

“One particular thing I remember was trying to get her to eat something and it ended up being a rice cracker and the only way I could do it was if I ate one as well.

“It was the stalest thing I’ve ever put in my mouth but it worked and it got her to eat.”

But, it’s not just the one on one aid she provides, the nurse also works with people in her patient’s network to help them get better.

“For some people that may be a mental health team, a social services team, teachers - anything you can think of that will support a family and their child.

“I’m the middle man that liaises with them to eventually work towards a safe, appropriate and successful discharge.”

Speaking on her nomination to KentOnline after she said: “I think this is the biggest thank you that someone can give you.

“Those days when you’re here well past when your shift should have ended and the weekends spent at home thinking about your patients - it’s very nice to know that it’s appreciated.”

She says she hopes it will show Medway NHS Trust how important and needed her role is within hospitals.

Charlotte is the last finalist chosen for the Hospital Hero award.

On Thursday we shared how porter, Shannon O’Kane had been shortlisted after often coming in to work to cheer people up on her days off.

We revealed our third finalist, Michelle Fitzpatrick who was recognised for her empathetic approach to Intensive Care Unit patients and families.

And last month we shared how fellow nominee Dr Saadia Shah, a gynaecologist, stepped in after her shift ended to save a mother’s life.

The week before we told the story of nominee Emily Brown, who is the world’s first hospital-based namaste care practitioner.

The winner will be announced at a special ceremony on June 13.