Awards Mark Nurses Day Celebrations

Inspirational nurses working in the community in Lincolnshire have been rewarded for their dedication as part of celebrations for International Nurses' Day.

The five nurses from Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS) have each been presented with a gift and certificate after being nominated by their peers and managers as part of the annual event at the trust.

Sue Cousland, Chief Nurse and Director of Operations at LCHS, said: "It's wonderful to be able to celebrate our profession and the individuals who work tirelessly in our communities to aid recovery from illness.

"The nominations we received came from patients, carers, colleagues, and even local nursing homes who have told us why they find our nurses so inspirational and invaluable. I am very proud of them all."

The winners were:

Kerry Belshaw, Specialist Tissue Viability Nurse, North East Lincolnshire

It is Kerry's diligence, enthusiasm for getting it right for her patients and her very high standards of nursing care that have been noted in her nomination.

Kerry has developed quality and assurance processes in relation to pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, which have resulted in improved care across the area. Not only does she manage her own caseload, she also provides advice and guidance for her colleagues working in community nursing teams. Her drive to achieve excellence is inspirational to those who work with her.

Brenda Farr - Sister, Outpatients Department, John Coupland Hospital, Gainsborough

Brenda has worked hard and proved to be a very reliable and effective Sister in the Outpatients department. Her role has become increasingly more demanding but her attitude has been overwhelmingly positive as she has strived to ensure the department runs effectively.

Brenda is an excellent mentor and one student nominated her for an award in appreciation of her commitment to teaching students. She went on to win 'Mentor of the Year', which she thoroughly deserved.

Becky Portess, Case Manager, Parkside Surgery, Boston

Becky has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and has transformed her team through gentle encouragement and acting as an outstanding role model to both new staff and student nurses. Becky provides high quality care to all patients and supports her staff with care and compassion. She is highly respected by all the team.

Becky has a real passion for community nursing and brings that enthusiasm into everything she does. She is always keen to learn more and will always offer her help and assistance willingly wherever possible.

Susie Ward, Case Manager, Stamford

Susie has been praised for her devoted service, help and care, particularly in her palliative care role. Families have identified her as the biggest comfort to them during their experience and it is also thanks to Susie that the community nursing service has been described as wonderful and helpful.

It is not only patients and their relatives that Susie has had an impact on, as colleagues have recognised her for her hard work in developing her independent prescribing and partnership working with specialist nurses, general practitioners and consultants to ensure her ability to deliver holistic care.

Vicky Ripley, Senior Sexual Health Nurse, Boston Health Centre

Vicky is a loyal and enthusiastic nurse and always ensures her patients come first. She is always friends and has a positive attitude and is never heard or seen to act in a negative manner, even during tough times. Her attitude is reflected through the work of her fellow team members.

Vicky's caseload can often be challenging, but she manages this quietly and effectively. She also has an awareness of marginalised groups of clients, having recently had a paper published concerning sexually associated and transmitted infections in the lesbian population.