Learning disability service shortlisted for prestigious awards
A service providing healthcare support to people with a learning disability in Worcestershire has been shortlisted for two awards at this year’s Nursing Times Awards.
The North Worcestershire Community Learning Disability Team, provided by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has been shortlisted for the second consecutive year.
The team have been shortlisted for the ‘Learning Disabilities Nursing’ category for their work streamlining of the triage and the referral process. This new initiative has an aim of reducing service user waiting times and improving communication with GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Those shortlisted in this category must be able to demonstrate the benefits of their work in terms of evidence-based, person-centred practice sustaining health and improving quality of life.
Melanie Jones, the service’s team manager has also been shortlisted in the ‘Nurse Leader of the Year’ category, being acknowledged for her exceptional leadership.
The ‘Nurse Leader of the Year’ is someone who leads by example, providing their team with an excellent role model, demonstrating compassion and a commitment to ensuring their service offers the highest quality and safest care possible.
They are aware of their patients’ needs and are firm advocates on their behalf, understand the importance of informing and reassuring patients and relatives, and have the skills to lead, support and motivate a team that is committed to offering excellent and compassionate care to all patients.
Amy Turton, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, RNLD, who nominated Melanie, said: “Managers are plentiful, exceptional leaders are rare. Melanie falls into the latter category. Melanie’s passion for the Learning Disability community, and her commitment to lead, support and motivate her staff team is second to none. Using innovative ideas to change processes and improve patient access to healthcare. Melanie is always ready for action and is instrumental in making positive change happen”.
The awards bring together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent in the profession and recognise those who are making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.
The winners will be announced on 25th October at a ceremony in London.
More information on the Nursing Times Awards including the full shortlist can be found via the Nursing Times website.