At this year’s edition of the British Journal of Nursing Awards, two local nursing services received acknowledgement for their contribution to service development in their speciality areas.

Gerry Fortuna, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse specialist, who attended the ceremony, received a third place in the Innovation Award. This award is given to nurses who have developed a service or approach to nursing care which has benefitted patients and /or the health organisation. Gerry Fortuna was responsible for setting up the GHA cardiac rehabilitation service and, as service lead, has developed and steered the service towards the multi-disciplinary approach it provides today. The Cardiac Rehabilitation team provides cardiac clients with information and support on lifestyle modification together with a monitored structured exercise programme which aims to assist patients to return to their normal activities of living.

The Primary Care Lymphoedema clinic nurses received a second place in the Lymphoedema Award. The award acknowledges the contribution made in this clinical field and the benefits to patients suffering from this condition. The Lymphoedema clinic was developed by the Primary Care nursing team in response to an identified need within the community. It has developed into a service which treats patients with the most up to date techniques and equipment providing full body lymphoedema care. This tribute goes to nurses past and present who have contributed to the development of this clinic. Staff Nurses Liesel Frost and Romina Duran attended the Ceremony to receive the award on behalf of the team.

This success follows on from last year’s second place for Linda Castro’s Dermatology service.

Dr John Cortes, Minister for Health, commented, “The work done by our nurses is often not in the limelight, but is of huge value to the community, and crucial to the delivery of health and care in Gibraltar. I know the dedication of these nurses personally, and am often complimented by members of the public for their work. I am deeply proud of the recognition that they have achieved in this very important forum. It says a great deal of the nursing profession in Gibraltar, a profession for which I have a great deal of respect and affection.”

Pics: Top Left: (Back) Sister Suzanne Romero and Staff Nurse Eliot Santos (Front) Romina Duran and Liesel Frost

Middle pic: (L-R) – Romina Duran and Liesel Frost

Bottom pic: Liesel Frost, Mrs Ruth Fortuna (wife of) Gerry Fortuna, Clinical Manager Frances Catania, Romina Duran