Apr 09 - Gibraltar Nurse Takes Second Place In Top UK Award
Linda Castro, the Gibraltar Health Authority’s very own Dermatology Specialist Nurse, has been awarded second place in the British Journal of Nursing’s 2014 Awards in the Dermatology Nurse of the Year category. Linda received this prestigious award in the BJN Awards Ceremony in London last month.
The British Journal of Nursing is the UK's largest and most prestigious nursing awards ceremony and took place on the 21st of March. These awards seek to recognise excellence throughout the profession with nominees of all levels and experience, innovation, leadership and clinical excellence.
The British Journal of Nursing acknowledges the enormous contribution individual nurses make toward the development of the profession as a whole. National professional awards such as these not only shine a light where it is most deserved, they also raise the profile and understanding of how nursing is at the centre of patient care.
First prize went to Professor Steve Ersser, Skin Health and Integrity team from the University of Hull.
Linda has been responsible for the development of the dermatology service based at the Primary Care Centre, and has worked incessantly and with great energy and commitment to bring the service to the level it is at now.
Commenting on her award, Linda said, “Coming from our little but wonderful Gibraltar, my home, I was privileged to have been shortlisted and given second place in the category of Dermatology nurse of the year in the UK. All of us present were honoured to be there. My husband and I had a wonderful time and it was a great experience but it would never have been possible without the support from my wonderful husband and daughter Amy who put up with my long hours at work as well as all my time studying at home. My small Dermatology team are also owed my thanks for their support as we are like a family. Without them this would not have been possible and I wish to thank, Ayshea De La Cruz, Frances Catania, Dr Jose Ferrera, Dr Robin Graham-Brown, Dr Robert Burd and Nuria Campos, our new addition who are a privilege to work with. A last but very special thanks goes to my patients who make my job enjoyable and worthwhile. All improvements to the service are to improve their care and the service they get. Without them I would not have a job. Normally they thank me so this time I can thank them. Thank You”
Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes, commented, “Linda is an example and an inspiration to all those who work in health care. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her skill has helped many hundreds of our patients. I know this from personal experience both as a colleague and as a patient myself. Linda also demonstrates the importance of nurse-led services in modern healthcare. I am very proud indeed of her achievement, and of that of the dermatology team, as are all in the GHA and I am sure, the whole of Gibraltar.”
Top pic: Linda Castro with her husband Gerald Castro who is also a nurse. Bottom pic: Linda Castro with first and third placed Professor Steve Ersser and Anna Baker.
