Milton Keynes Hospital Nurse Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award

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Published on Monday, 03 September 2012 09:06

A nurse at Milton Keynes Hospital is celebrating being shortlisted in the Nursing Times Awards.

Alison Sandaver, Macmillan Senior Sister and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, is in with a chance of winning the Cancer Nurse Leader gong at the prestigious national awards, which will be announced at the end of October.

Tony Halton, Director of Nursing at Milton Keynes Hospital said: “To be shortlisted in the Nursing Times Awards is an incredible achievement because a huge number of entries are received. Alison is an exceptional nurse leader, so richly deserves this honour.

“Whatever the outcome of the awards, we are very proud of Alison and her passion for continuously improving services for cancer patients at Milton Keynes Hospital.”

Colleagues nominated Alison for her impact on improving the standard of cancer care for patients at Milton Keynes Hospital. She has had a considerable impact on improving the standard of cancer care for patients, introducing a number of initiatives including ensuring chemotherapy patients have rapid access to advice and appropriate treatment.

Alison also works closely with the MK Hospital Cancer Patient Partnership group and really listens to their views and experiences. As a result, she has developed a new NHS wig service that is one of only two in the country. Run in partnership with a local salon, patients with chemotherapy or radiotherapy-induced hair loss are given an NHS prescription for a wig that they take to the salon. Hairdressers who are trained and certified wig fitters/scalp care specialists will help the patient select a wig, cut and style it and advise the patient on how to look after their own hair. The hospital has received positive feedback from patients. 

In 2010, the Macmillan Unit became the first in England to receive the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark for high standards of cleanliness and comfort and the welcoming attitude of staff. The unit always has compliments from patients, rarely receiving a complaint. As the senior sister for the unit, Alison had a direct influence on this achievement. She continues to be an inspiration for the unit on continually improving and providing the highest standards for patients.

Alison Sandaver said: “I am delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. I share the achievement with all the staff on the Macmillan ward; together we work to provide the best-possible care to our patients and try to make a challenging time of life a bit easier.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

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