A SERVICE providing healthcare support to people with learning disabilities in Worcestershire has been shortlisted for two accolades 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 short-listed 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.
The new scheme is aimed at reducing service user waiting times and improving communication with GPs and other healthcare professionals.
Those shortlisted in the 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.
Advanced clinical practitioner RNLD Amy Turton, who nominated Melanie, said: “Managers are plentiful, exceptional leaders are rare.
“Melanie’s passion for the learning disability community, and her commitment to lead, support and motivate her staff team is second to none.”
She added Melanie used innovative ideas to change processes and improve patient access to healthcare and was always ready for action, also being 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 making nursing innovative, patient-focused and inclusive.
The winners will be announced on October 25 at a ceremony in London.
Visit awards.nursingtimes.net for more on the Nursing Times Awards.
