South Yorkshire Haemophilia Nurse Recognized as UK’s Best

A nurse specializing in haemophilia from South Yorkshire has been honored as the top professional in the country. Cathy Harrison, an advanced nurse practitioner at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, received the UK Nurse of the Year Award for her contributions to treating individuals with bleeding disorders. The award, presented by the Nursing Times, acknowledged Ms Harrison’s “transformational change to the care of patients across the world,” according to the NHS trust where she is employed. Ms Harrison, whose work within the NHS has included elevating the profile of chronic but lesser-known conditions, expressed that it was “amazing” to have her efforts recognized. The judging panel lauded Ms Harrison as “an excellent role model of professionalism, tenacity and passion, consistently going above and beyond expectations.” Ms Harrison has dedicated nearly two decades to serving the blood and bleeding disorder community, as stated by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. A spokesperson indicated that her work has encompassed “comprehensive care to a range of adults with inherited bleeding disorders.” The spokesperson added, “Her dedication to her patients is ceaseless, and she has worked with patient organisations to support understanding and raise awareness of the conditions.” Furthermore, the spokesperson noted, “She has also worked with the global bleeding disorders community within her role with the World Federation of Hemophilia, to share knowledge and experience with clinicians in the developing world.” Ms Harrison had also developed a national education course for nurses and other health workers, the spokesperson further mentioned. Ms Harrison commented: “It was amazing to win this award and for the recognition of the work within these rare diseases. It was fabulous to see the fantastic things that nurses are doing across the country, just a reflection of what is going on every day in nursing practice globally.” Patient Dave Gort described Ms Harrison as a “deserving Nurse of the Year winner,” attributing her calm and quick-thinking approach to having “literally saved” his life during an emergency where he experienced significant blood loss. Mr Gort elaborated, “Haemophilia affects me by taking much longer than usual for my blood to clot. Alongside her vast clinical knowledge, everything she does is undertaken with care and compassion, a cheery manner, and most importantly, a sense of humour.”