A Lincoln nurse has been crowned Nurse of the Year at The Haemophilia Society’s Recognition Awards.
Alison Dawson-Meadows, Haemophilia Nurse Specialist at United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, is part of the team which supports approximately 600 patients across the county who are living with a range of bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand disorder.
The national Recognition Awards were introduced by The Haemophilia Society this year, as a result of a suggestion by their Youth Ambassadors. Nominations were received from both clinicians and society members in each of the categories.
One patient who nominated Alison said: “I know from speaking with Alison that she often works longer hours than contracted and has given up annual leave to ensure patients are treated, including responding to enquires I have made while on her annual leave and day off. For me, Alison exemplified everything that is good about nursing.”
Alison received her award at the Haemophilia Society’s Big Get-Together conference in Leicester.
Alison, who has been a nurse for more than 20 years, said: “This award was so unexpected and I feel truly honoured to have been recognised by my patients and The Haemophilia Society.
“The nature of our role and the long-term conditions our patients live with means that we have the privilege to get to know our patients and their whole family really well. I work closely with other services in Lincolnshire, and also specialist centres outside of the county, to make sure patients have everything they need to manage their care, no matter what their age or how long they have been diagnosed.”
Alison added: “Being at the conference and listening to so many amazing and emotional stories really made me think about how vital our service is for our patients in Lincolnshire. It’s a vital component in the NHS.”
Kate Burt, Chief Executive of The Haemophilia Society, said: “Alison’s patients clearly think the world of her. She cares deeply about the support they need and, despite facing testing circumstances, goes the extra mile to ensure her patients get the best care possible. Alison’s compassion and outstanding commitment to her patients make her a very worthy winner of our first Nurse of the Year award.”
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/pauchi
