Patients in Focus Award 2006 Update

30/05/07 : NRAS

Anne Meadows, Rheumatology Nurse Specialist, Rheumatology Department Peterborough and Stamford NHS Foundation Trust, Edith Cavell Hospital explains what winning this award has meant to her and her rheumatology department.

'Since winning the award 12 months ago, I have been asked to share information with a number of departments around the country on how to set up a cardiovascular/health screening clinic. This includes departments outside of rheumatology, for example, dermatology.

We have also taken this opportunity to promote the good work of NRAS. A display has been placed in the waiting area of the outpatient department explaining what the award is, and at the same time displaying the work and literature of NRAS.

The award has been recognised at local and regional meetings, which is a good feeling, especially when you feel the hard work is being acknowledged by peers. The managers at the Trust are now more aware of the work I am involved in and are keen for me to continue the clinic.

As with most departments, we have limited income and the prize money has been used for staff educational purposes. I submitted a poster to the RCN Rheumatology Forum conference in Newcastle in October 2006, and was asked to give an oral presentation. I was able to pay for the trip and take a staff nurse from the outpatient department who has an interest in rheumatology. This was her first ever conference after 30 years of nursing: she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is grateful that she was given the opportunity to attend.'

		Anne Meadows and Pat Millicheap with NRAS display in Outpatients’ Department 'I am due to commence an MSc in Rheumatology Nursing in May 2007, the prize money will help towards the course expenses. Thank you once again'