Torbay nurses in the running for NHS awards
Two Torbay nurses have been shortlisted for a prestigious South West General Practice Nursing Celebration Award.
Isabel Sharp, of Brunel Medical Practice, is a finalist in the ‘Above and Beyond Nurse Award’ category, while Torbay General Practice’s Gemma Guppy is in the running for the ‘General Practice Nurse Leadership Award’.
The awards are held by the NHS to showcase the outstanding work of practice nurses in the South West. Gemma and Isabel will find out if they are among the overall winners when they attend the awards ceremony at the Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel on 13 June.
Gemma was nominated for her role in leading Torbay General Practice’s Care Home Visiting Service (CHVS) – a muti-disciplinary team that supports care home patients throughout Torbay.
Her nomination said: “Gemma’s is an enormous task, and she works tirelessly to ensure the service runs effectively. She flies the flag for nurses and challenges the common misconception that patients can only be seen by GP.
“Highly respected by the GPs, nurses, pharmacists working with her, Gemma is a selfless and inspiring leader, and a shining example of how valuable, adaptable, and important nurses are to general practice.”
Torbay General Practice is an alliance of ten Torbay GP practices.
Isabel’s shortlisting recognises her efforts in educating patients in the risks of diabetes.
“Issy is passionately committed to educating patients about the long-term risks of diabetes and the benefits of making health changes,” her nomination said.
“She gives up lunch breaks and free time so that she can support patients who need extra support and are struggling to make the needed lifestyle changes.
“Issy has put together a tailored strategy for the practice, so that diabetic patients are managed in the same way, by the whole practice team. She has empowered patients to take control of their health and we can see the results in our regular patient monitoring and audits.
“Patients are living longer well and managing their diabetes better because of the extraordinary work of Issy.”