Psoriasis Nurse of the Year 2017 Announced

Zahira Koreja is named Psoriasis Nurse of the Year 2017

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Zahira (right) receiving her award

Zahira Koreja, a dermatology nurse at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in Blackburn, has won the ‘Psoriasis Nurse of the Year’ 2017 award. The award was presented to her in front of over 200 fellow nurses at the British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG)'s Annual Conference in Belfast.

Zahira was nominated by her patients and stood out to the judges thanks to her dedication, compassion, and the support she provided. She was presented with a special trophy, created by a graffiti artist, that depicts the support given by nurses to people with psoriasis

Lancashire resident, Hudson Parsons, who nominated Zahira for the award, praised her ability to always find a solution, saying "I have lived with psoriasis for approximately 20 years and have had many dermatologists and nurses within this time. I can safely say that the care that I have received from Zahira is the best I have ever had. Zahira has been instrumental in helping me finally live a normal life by keeping my psoriasis under control”.

On winning the award, Zahira said “I was honoured to receive the award for Psoriasis Nurse of the year. Being involved with psoriatic patients is part of my role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner that I thoroughly enjoy and feel passionate about. Our aim is to deliver Safe, Personal and Effective care to all our patients. It is important to empower patients by giving them the tools needed to manage their long term condition and support them through their journey. Therefore, receiving this award is a privilege not just for myself but is a reflection of the dedication of the whole of the East Lancashire NHS Dermatology Department”.

Now in its second year, the Psoriasis Nurse of the Year Award recognises the work of psoriasis nurses delivering exceptional support and care to their patients. The award was judged by representatives of the BDNG and the Psoriasis Association.