UHNM Haemodialysis team shortlisted for BJN award
A team of University Hospitals of North Midlands' healthcare professionals behind the development of an information card for patients with kidney disease has been shortlisted in the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) awards.
The Haemodialysis team, who provide dialysis and care to kidney patients at UHNM have been shortlisted in the Renal Nurse of the Year category for their work on the card which is aimed at providing information to the patients about their condition and risk factors associated with high potassium. It also alerts other medical professionals to the risk and need to take urgent bloods if hyperkalaemia – higher than normal potassium in the blood - is suspected.
The BJN Renal Nurse of the Year Award celebrates the hard work and dedication of nurses working in clinical practice across all areas of kidney care. For this category the judges look at what the team contributed to renal nursing, how has this impacted patient care, how will their work continue to support renal nursing and evidence to support this contribution.
High potassium can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and can be diagnosed quickly and easily with blood sampling. The cards have been received well amongst UHNM patients and their next of kin, along with other teams across UHNM.
Julie Cumberlidge, Deputy Associate Chief Nurse, said: "High potassium can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and can be diagnosed quickly and easily with blood sampling. Although the Hyperkalaemia card is a very simple idea, it could save lives and has cost less than £150. The cards have been received well among our patients and their next of kin, along with other teams across UHNM and now our aim is to share this good practice nationally. We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award, the team has worked very hard to push this scheme forward so it's a great morale boost for our unit to know we have been recognised at a national level."
The British Journal of Nursing Awards will take place on Friday 20 March 2020 at Shakespeare's Underglobe in London. Where the team will join the country's leading nurses and professionals for an evening of celebration of excellence and achievement in the nursing profession.