North Highland NHS nurse up for Royal College of Nursing’s Scotland Nurse of the Year Award in Edinburgh
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AN NHS Highland nurse who covers Parkinson’s Disease and provides support to hundreds of patients across the north of the region is up for a national award.
Sharon Sutherland, who is based in the North Highland area for NHS Highlands, is one of the shortlisted hopefuls in the Royal College of Nursing’s Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards.
She has been shortlisted in the adult nursery award category, which aims to recognise those who have raised standards of care for their patients and made an “outstanding contribution” to the care of adults.
Explaining the reason for her place on the shortlist, a spokesperson for the award organisers said: “Sharon, the sole Parkinson's Disease Nurse in NHS Highland, provides comprehensive support to over 550 patients across various settings.
“Despite limited resources, she single-handedly fulfils her role, ensuring patients receive optimal care. Sharon's expertise extends to educating health care professionals and advocating for patients, even during times of consultant shortages.
“Her dedication is evident through joint clinics, personalised patient reviews, and continuous support beyond clinic hours. Participation in audits showcases the effectiveness of her interventions, including the implementation of a non-motor questionnaire to improve symptom management.
“Sharon's impact is reflected in the gratitude expressed by patients and their families over her more than 20-year tenure, highlighting her invaluable contribution to Parkinson's disease care in the region.”
She is up against two other hopefuls in the award category, John McDonald, a senior addiction nurse with the North East Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services, and Margaret Harkin, an in-reach district nurse based in Inverclyde.
Sharon will find out if she has won at a ceremony in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on May 23. The overall Scotland Nurse of the Year award will also be announced from among the various category winners at that time.
Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland board chair, said: "I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to showcase the innovation and commitment of nurses, nursing support workers and nursing students across Scotland. Regardless of the outcome, all our finalists exemplify the daily dedication of nursing staff in delivering the best of nursing care for the people of Scotland."
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland director, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "Our awards are a wonderful occasion and allow us to give some well-deserved recognition for and demonstrate the excellence of nursing staff in Scotland. The calibre of submissions was exceptional, and we hope the finalists, as well as anyone who was nominated, feels the love and appreciation people have for the work they do."
