Published on 9 February 2021
A specialist children’s cystic fibrosis nurse from East Kent Hospitals has been shortlisted for a national award from the British Journal of Nursing.
Lindsay Berry was nominated for the Respiratory Nurse of the Year category by paediatric consultant Tim Newson for her “exceptional innovation and professionalism”. She has been selected as one of three finalists.
Lindsay worked to improve asthma care for children, before taking on the role as cystic fibrosis specialist nurse in 2014 and spearheading improvements there.
More recently she set up virtual clinics allowing multi-disciplinary meetings to continue despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Newson said: “Lindsay is a very approachable, unassuming, but dynamic professional who always aspires to the highest standards of care.
“It is a privilege to work with her and I am glad her exceptional input into respiratory nursing and the wider NHS is being recognised.
“I know all the families of our cystic fibrosis population would echo our gratitude and thanks to Lindsay for all her exceptional expertise and care.”
As well as helping to care for dozens of children across east Kent with cystic fibrosis, from when the condition is identified at birth to their transition to adult care, Lindsay works with colleagues behind the scenes to improve the service.
Her projects include introducing a nurse-led clinic to review children who attend hospital emergency departments with asthma attacks, together with teaching sessions for hospital staff, and forums for primary care nurses.
This reduced admissions and led to funding being identified for three respiratory nurses across east Kent who are based in the community but work with hospitals as well as GPs.
After asking patients and their families about their care, she spearheaded improvements around communication, hand hygiene and reducing repetitive questioning in clinics.
Working with colleagues from Kings College hospital, she set up a plan to help patients move more smoothly to adult care. She also provides personalised care plans for all families, for example providing pictures of medication for parents who have difficulties with reading and writing.
Lindsay has presented her work nationally and internationally, including to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Conference, and a European cystic fibrosis conference in Liverpool.
The winners of the award will be announced at a virtual ceremony in March.
