A colorectal cancer nurse from Derby has been hailed as a ‘inspiration’ at an annual awards ceremony, run by the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity Bowel Cancer UK.
Angela Gilmour, a colorectal clinical nurse specialist at Royal Derby Hospital for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Trust, won this year’s Bowel Cancer UK’s Gary Logue Colorectal Cancer Nurse Award for nurses nominated by their patients.
Sharing their reasons for selecting Angela as the winner, the judges praised ‘incredible examples’ of Angela going above and beyond in her duties, collaborating with other hospitals for one of her patients to ensure they are getting the best possible care.
“This nomination provides compelling evidence of Angela’s ability to coordinate complex care while never losing sight of the individual at the centre of it,” the judges wrote when making their decision.
“Angela’s work across hospital boundaries, following up referrals, arranging appointments and ensuring different teams remain connected, has clearly prevented delays and reduced a considerable burden for her patient. Equally impressive is the trust she has built through remembering the small things, checking in and consistently advocating on the patient’s behalf.
“This is an excellent example of clinical professionalism, coordination and compassion working together to make a tangible difference to someone’s healthcare experience.”
Held every year, the Bowel Cancer UK Gary Logue Awards mark the achievements of colorectal nurses who make a significant impact on those affected by bowel cancer, provide exceptional care and show outstanding initiative.
The awards were established in memory of Gary Logue to honour the contribution he made to those affected by bowel cancer during his career. Gary worked for Bowel Cancer UK as a specialist nurse advisor and passed away in 2014.
Cancer epidemiologist Dr Laura Woods announced the award for Angela at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurses Network (NCCNN) Annual Education Event in Newcastle on Thursday 1st October.
As a prize for winning the award, Angela has also received a £300 bursary which can be used towards professional development, training opportunities for her or her team, or enhancing the patient experience.
Commenting on her award, Angela said: “I am incredibly touched and humbled to have received this award. Knowing that I have made a positive difference to somebody’s life means so much to me.
“I am passionate about caring for my patients and it is a real privilege to support, reassure and advocate for them through what can be a very difficult journey.
“I am also very fortunate to work alongside such a supportive wider team. Their knowledge, kindness and commitment have helped me to become the nurse I am and I could not do what I do without them.
“I accept this award with sincere gratitude; this recognition means a great deal to me and is a wonderful reminder of why I love being a nurse.”
Claire Coughlan, Clinical Lead at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Nurses play a crucial role in the care of people with cancer and it has been wonderful to hear about the exceptional care, support and initiative shown by all our winners, finalists and nominees at this year’s Gary
Logue Awards.
“Across the country, colorectal cancer nurses make an enormous difference to patients and their families guiding them through what is often an incredibly difficult time in their lives. We’re proud to continue to recognise and champion these nurses and thank them wholeheartedly for their work.
“Our huge congratulations go to Angela for her outstanding work in the last year and her unfailing commitment to caring for and improving the quality of life of those affected by bowel cancer.”
