Dermatology nurses triumph at national awards

Two pioneering specialist nurses from St John’s Institute of Dermatology received prestigious awards from the British Dermatological Nursing Group on Wednesday 23 June.

Lucy Moorhead, advanced nurse practitioner for medical dermatology, was named as Psoriasis Nurse of the Year. Consultant nurse Karina Jackson won The Stone Award which recognises consistently great contribution in the field of dermatology nursing.

Lucy was nominated by several patients and was praised by the judges for going the extra mile to ensure patients in her care receive the best support possible, even out of hours.  

She said: “I was truly honoured to win this award, and so touched that patients nominated me. I often see what a difference it makes to people with psoriasis when they receive regular, personalised care. It boosts their self-confidence and motivation to effectively manage their condition, and it is so rewarding for us as nurses to see those we care for feeling empowered.”

Karina Jackson was nominated by several colleagues to win The Stone Award for always putting her patients first throughout her 26-year career, which has seen her develop treatments and services not only at St John’s but also nationally.

She said: “My first ever job as a staff nurse was on a dermatology ward, I loved it, and even then I could see the value that nursing could add to the care offered to patients with skin disease.

“Dermatology nurses develop special relationships with their patients because their disease is so visible, and my patients have helped me be the nurse I am today. I am honoured and humbled to have won this award.”

Maija Hansen, Head of Nursing at St John’s Institute of Dermatology, said: “It’s wonderful to see two inspirational dermatology nurses win these awards. The role of dermatology nursing has developed so much over the past 10 years, and both Lucy and Karina have been fundamental in evolving our services and the specialist treatments we offer to our patients.

“Our teams at St John’s know our patients inside out and this is reflected in the lives they are able to live. I’m so proud to feel that because of the specialist nursing care we can offer, the opportunities and achievements available for both patients and staff are unlimited.”

The awards were presented to Lucy and Karina in front of 220 other nursing professionals at the British Dermatological Nursing Group’s (BDNG) Annual Conference in Bournemouth.