National recognition for specialist nurse

A specialist nurse working to help prevent sight loss has been recognised with a national award.

Laxmi Sherpa, an ophthalmology sister with East Kent Hospitals, received a silver award from the Chief Nursing Officer for England after being nominated by colleagues.

The award is presented to nurses and midwives who go above and beyond to provide excellent care, leadership and compassion. East Kent Hospitals’ chief nursing and midwifery officer Sarah Hayes presented the award to Laxmi at the William Harvey Hospital on Wednesday, joined by Duncan Burton, England’s chief nurse, virtually.

Sarah said: “It was an absolute privilege to be able to present the award to Laxmi on Duncan’s behalf, and I was delighted he could join us virtually to pass on his own congratulations.

“Laxmi is an amazing, compassionate, innovative ophthalmology nurse leader who truly deserves this recognition.

“She is an inspiration to many with her determination to develop herself and her team for the benefit of our patients.”

Laxmi has worked for the Trust for nine years and was nominated by Martine Henniker, matron for specialist services, who said she was committed to improving her patients’ experience.

Martine said: “Laxmi is a joy to have in our team, and a role model to all.

“As an ophthalmology nurse Laxmi embodies all the skills required, she is technically minded, compassionate, empathetic, a courageous advocate for our patients, and leads in a transformational style.

“She has undertaken enhanced training to enable her to work alongside the glaucoma consultants and optometrists, who describe her as ‘incredibly engaged in glaucoma’.

“She is already positively impacting our patients’ experience.”

Laxmi was the first nursing sister to focus her skills and training on glaucoma, an eye condition that can lead to blindness. She has attended courses at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and worked with medical colleagues to add to her practical skills.

Laxmi is able to run her own imaging clinics and also trains other colleagues to help develop the team.

She said: “I am so proud and humbled to have received this award. I feel very lucky to be able to work in such a supportive team and to play a part in caring for our patients.

“Nursing is a privilege and it is wonderful to be given the opportunity to develop my own skills to be able to make a difference.”