Published on 10 March 2021
East Kent Hospitals’ specialist children’s cystic fibrosis nurse Lindsay Berry has been named Respiratory Nurse of the Year.
Lindsay won her category in the British Journal of Nursing awards, and judges praised her work in transforming the cystic fibrosis team into a state-of-the-art service with a huge impact on patient care.
She was nominated by paediatric consultant Tim Newson for her “exceptional innovation and professionalism” and was one of just three finalists for the award.
Lindsay said: “I was truly honoured just to have been shortlisted, and all the other nominees were also very deserving of the award.
“I would like to say thank you to Tim for nominating me and supporting me throughout my respiratory career, but also to everyone I have worked with in children’s respiratory.
“Each and every person does an amazing job, particularly in the current circumstances, and together we have earned this award.
“The children and families I work with inspire me every day and I hope to continue to improve their experiences.”
The awards were presented in a virtual ceremony on Monday.
Ian Peate, editor in chief of the British Journal of Nursing, said: “I am humbled and honoured to have been a part of these amazing awards. They are a celebration of dedication and achievement in the nursing profession.
“Congratulations to all nominees and winners – be very proud in what you do, you are indeed amazing.”
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 for patients to be reviewed by the cystic fibrosis multi-disciplinary team and ensured multi-disciplinary meetings to continue despite the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
She has presented her work nationally and international, including to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Conference, and a European cystic fibrosis conference in Liverpool.
