TWO Barnsley nurses have received top awards to recognise their dedication and hard work in GP practices.
Andrea Parkin and Alison Jackson were winners at the regional GP Practice Nurse Awards hosted by NHS England at Rotherham’s New York Stadium.
Andrea, practice nurse advisor for Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group and deputy chief nurse at Barnsley Healthcare Federation, took the practice nurse leadership award.
Alison, advanced nurse practitioner and nurse lead for primary care works, which is the advanced training practice hub that covers Barnsley, won the preceptor of the year category.
Alison’s award recognises her dedication to supporting students placed in GP practices along with helping newly registered nurses to come straight into general practice and be supported during their preceptorship.
They will both now go forward to the Yorkshire and Humber ceremony on Wednesday.
Andrea said she was honoured to have been nominated and selected as a winner. She added: “I admit I was a bit stunned when I learned about my nomination.
“I endeavour to create a climate in which people are motivated to excel, where staff are engaged in work and contribute their best to patient care.
“I would like to thank my family for their continual support, also my friends and colleagues at Barnsley Healthcare Federation and Barnsley CCG.”
Alison said it was a tremendous honour to receive her award and thanked the newly qualified nurses for their support. She added: “Their enthusiasm for general practice is my hope and inspiration - they are what it is all about.”
Brigid Reid, chief nurse at Barnsley CCG, praised the nurses and said the awards recognise and reward the vital contribution practice nurses provide to the care of Barnsley people in GP practices.
“Andrea and Alison are two great examples of local nurses who tirelessly deliver skilled and compassionate care and who also consistently go above and beyond to help others,” she said.
Also nominated for awards were Abigail Preston, practice nurse at Highgate who was nominated for best newcomer, Jemma Kirkland, from Goldthorpe Medical Centre, nominated in the mentor category, and Maxine Orr for the general practice nurse of the year category.
