A Grimsby nurse, who has dedicated 25 years to Colorectal services in the town, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Louise Salt, Clinical Nurse Specialist, is a finalist in the Gary Logue Colorectal Cancer Nurse Awards 2023, after one of her patients nominated her.
The awards celebrate those who make a significant impact to those affected by bowel cancer, provide exceptional care, and show outstanding initiative. Health care professionals nominate for one award and patients and their families nominate for the one Louise has been shortlisted for.
Louise has worked for the NHS for 43 years and the patient who nominated her has been on a 24 year journey with her. She said: “This amazing lady helped set up a support group with me and was my dad’s stoma nurse – he loved her humour and approach of getting his life back on track. Louise has been there for me in recent years when I found I had Lynch syndrome, she has reassured me when I have worried about yearly screening and I know I can rely on her for help and advice. She now has helped me with my son, by checking he is getting the correct screening and tests. This fantastic lady goes above and beyond, an absolute angel.”
Speaking of her nomination, Louise said: “I feel humbled and honoured to have been nominated for this prestigious award. I have always felt privileged in serving the public in my role as a Colorectal Nurse Specialist. This nomination has also brought great joy and excitement to the team and hospital where I work and although this honour is directed specifically at me, I am only me because of the amazing team within which I work.”
Deborah Bagley, Associate Chief Nurse for Surgery and Critical Care, said: “This is a fantastic achievement; Louise is a very dedicated nurse and patients are her upmost priority; we are extremely proud of her.”
Catherine Winsor, Director of Services at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We are incredibly proud of Louise who has been nominated for going above and beyond in her role as a Colorectal Nurse Specialist. Patients will never forget how nurses made them feel and the support they gave them during a very difficult time in their lives. For that we wholeheartedly thank Louise, her peers, and the thousands of colorectal cancer nurses up and down the country who show exceptional care to their patients.”
Now in their ninth year, the awards, run by Bowel Cancer UK, were established in memory of Gary Logue, who died in 2014, to honour the contribution he made during his career.
Winners will be announced at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurses Network Annual Education Event, being held in Birmingham on 28 September.