Tricia Sutherland a Renal Supportive Care Nurse has been awarded the Nurse of
the Year from the British Journal of Nursing following a nomination from her
colleagues.
Tricia has worked as a staff nurse within the renal unit at University Hospital
Crosshouse for 10 years. In 2019, she began a two-year secondment as Renal
Supportive Care Nurse funded by Kidney Care UK. The creation of this post was
essential to the maintenance and development of the Renal Supportive Care Service
within NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
Tricia said, “In my role as a Renal Supportive Care Nurse I provide supportively,
palliative and end of life care for people with the advance/end-stage kidney disease. I
feel the most important aspect of my role is patient contact. Being able to listen,
support, advice has been greatly appreciated by patients and their families.”
“I am extremely delighted to have been nominated and to have won the Nurse of the
Year award from British Journal of Nursing. It has made me feel valued and recognised
for my contribution to the development of the Renal Supportive Care service and
inspired me to continue with the development of the service.”
Jennifer Wilson, Interim Deputy Nurse Director added, “We are extremely proud of
Tricia. Being nominated and winning this award is a true recognition of the support
and care she offers patients and their families and her work is appreciated by so
many across the organisation.”
During Tricia’s secondment period her main focus has been the development and
implementation of a Renal Supportive Care referral pathway and Future Care
Planning also known as Anticipatory Care Planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has
highlighted the importance and need for Future Care Planning for patients who are
clinically extremely vulnerable.