One of the Island’s community nurses has been shortlisted for the 2015 Nursing Times Awards.
Mandy Davies, alongside staff from nine organisations across the UK, is a finalist in the Nursing in the Community category. Mandy’s entry focussed on her work as Specialist Health Visitor for Vulnerable Adults; in particular her efforts to extend the range of services available to users of a weekly drop-in she provides at local charity Graih, which works with the homeless.
Director of Community Nursing, Cath Quilliam, said:
'We are thrilled that Mandy’s work has been recognised. Mandy has a very innovative approach assisting these individuals in navigating health and social care services. She strives to ensure they are aware of and understand the services and options available to them as well as promoting the importance of self-care. We’re very proud of Mandy.'
Mandy is currently working with Graih in completing a local audit of the health needs of the homeless.
Mandy says her work is about reaching those who may otherwise ‘fall through the net’:
'Working with vulnerable adults is challenging but rewarding. My focus is on making sure that these people, who generally don’t – or can’t – access our Island’s health and social care services through usual means, get the appropriate support.
'I hope the entry into the awards helps to champion a less well known but equally important area of work for the Island’s community nursing services.
'I enjoy working with the team at Graih and it makes a real difference having a base to work from that is familiar to users – they’ve even given me my own room, ensuring there is a relaxed but confidential space in which consultations can take place.'
The finals of the Nursing Times Awards takes place on 12 November.
