King’s nurse shortlisted for prestigious nursing award

14 June 2022 - Finalists for the RCN Nursing Awards are recognised for the difference they make to people’s lives

The RCN Nursing Awards celebrate innovation, skill and dedication in nursing across 14 categories, including Nursing Older Adults and Mental Health Nursing.

Kate pioneered the role of specialist frailty practitioner at the Emergency Department (ED) at King’s College Hospital, assessing and treating patients who have experienced falls, and ensuring their safe discharge into the community. As well as improving the quality of the care experienced by frail patients seen in the ED, Kate also helped patients to avoid hospital admissions, where appropriate, by providing advanced care planning and information on carer support.

Thanks to Kate’s determination to demonstrate the vital role frailty nurses can have across emergency care, the service at King’s was expanded during the pandemic to include three frailty practitioners.

Kate said: “It’s an honour to be recognised by the RCN and selected as a finalist for this award. Identifying frailty in our patients early on is crucial, and allows myself and fellow colleagues to put in place timely and preventative measures to support people living with frailty.”

Professor Nicola Ranger, Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery for King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would like to congratulate Kate for being shortlisted at this year’s RCN Nursing Awards. The Nursing Older People Award recognises the exceptional care and support that Kate has provided to older adults across our community, who have experienced falls and are living with frailty.

“This is great news for Kate and the frailty team at King’s, who help facilitate care across our emergency services and are dedicated to helping our most vulnerable patients live happier and more independent lives.”

The winners of the RCN Nursing Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 6 October.