British Heart Foundation Recognises Heart Nurses For Exceptional Achievement

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 16 Oct 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Nine British Heart Foundation (BHF) nurses have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to patient care and practice. The winners of the BHF's first ever Nurse Excellence Rewards were announced at a special ceremony at the BHF's nurse and healthcare conference.

Six nurses were recognised for excellence in cardiac clinical practice, and two as excellent BHF ambassadors. Anne White - a Cardiac Specialist Nurse at Cambridgeshire PCT, was chosen as the outstanding performer for 2008

Anne was recognised for the breadth and range of skills that she has demonstrated over 13 years working with the BHF. During that time she set-up an innovative cardiac rehabilitation service and patient support group. Later, as part of a small team, she provided a diagnostic and management service for patients at risk of developing heart failure or other cardiac conditions.

Anne has also shared her knowledge through training GPs, nurses and members of the public, as well as contributing to national guidelines for the care of patients used in clinical practice.

Cynthia Curtis, Head of Nurse Education and Events at the BHF, said: "Anne has given exceptional cardiac care over a long period of time, the benefits of which have been felt by patients, their families and colleagues. She has also been an excellent ambassador for our work, helping to raise funds and promoting the pioneering and vital work of BHF."

The winners of the excellence in cardiac clinical practice rewards were:

-- Alex Wise, Royal Brompton Hospital, London
-- Deborah Gibbon, Queensbury Health Centre, Bradford
-- Tracy Jardine, Royal Group of Hospitals, Belfast
-- Kate Gramsma, University Hospital Lewisham, London
-- Marie Hurson, Gilbert Bain Hospital, Shetland
-- Donna Hanna, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Northern Ireland

The winners of the excellent ambassadors for BHF rewards were Joanne Davies, Llandough Hospital, Cardiff Victoria Watson, St Mary's Hospital, London.

Cynthia Curtis said: "It has been a real joy to give these rewards and recognise the hard work, commitment and passion that BHF nurses give to patients and their families."

The BHF currently funds over 400 Heart Nurses who provide expert care for a range of heart patients both in their homes and in hospital. They provide support, education and care for heart patients by monitoring and explaining their condition to them and offering advice on lifestyle, nutrition and medication.

This support helps to stabilise patients' conditions and often prevents unnecessary hospital re-admissions. BHF Heart Nurses enable patients and families to optimise their quality of life and to learn to live with their cardiac disease.

Each winner was presented with a specially made gold BHF pin. The winner of the outstanding performer of 2008 also received a crystal trophy.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation's heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease.

http://www.bhf.org.uk