Exeter teams shortlisted for Nursing Times Awards

The annual Nursing Times Awards celebrate the compassion, commitment and creativity of nurses across the profession and provides an opportunity to share innovation and outstanding practice from individuals and teams.

The NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Team, led by Research Nurse Dr Anna Steele, has been shortlisted for its work in trialling a new model of public engagement. By working with clinicians, scientists and pupils from local schools, the team were able to develop a project to assess the effect of a dietary intervention aimed at reducing the impact of a harmful plasticiser used in the food industry (BPA). This project has increased engagement with science and research in schools and colleges; fostered relationships between the University of Exeter, the NHS and industry; and highlighted the profile of the NIHR. Anna commented: “We are delighted that our research time is getting this recognition.”

The national Genetic Diabetes Nurse (GDN) initiative, led by Professor Maggie Shepherd at the RD&E and University of Exeter, has been shortlisted in the ‘Managing Long-term Conditions category’ for improving recognition and care in monogenic diabetes. There are 24 GDNs across the UK who raise awareness of monogenic diabetes amongst healthcare professionals, increasing recognition of the condition and enabling hundreds of patients with a confirmed genetic diagnosis of monogenic diabetes to change treatment from insulin injections to sulpholyurea tablets. Maggie said: “We are delighted that the project has been recognised by the awards as an innovative model of nurses translating genetic knowledge into clinical care which improves the lives of patients with diabetes.”

The winners of the 2016 Nursing Times Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on 26 October at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.