TWO dermatology clinical nurse specialists in Salisbury were highlighted for their exceptional work with a special award.

Sharon Osment and Gail Buchanan both won this year’s Patient Experience Award at the recent Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust’s Staff Awards ceremony.

To win the award, staff are nominated not just by colleagues, but also patients and the public for making a significant impact upon improving the patient experience, either for an individual patient in their work department, or for the wider trust.

Both Sharon and Gail were praised for their “exceptional dedication” over the past year to establish new clinics aimed at reducing patient wait times, supporting both junior and senior staff, and introducing new services to enhance patient care.

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Helen Whatsley, lead nurse in dermatology, who nominated them, said: “This nomination recognises an instance where they went above and beyond in their roles, fulfilling the hospital values and helping change a patient’s life.

“By recognising the patient’s complex needs, facilitating access to essential resources, coordinating treatment delivery, and offering unwavering support, Sharon and Gail exemplified extraordinary dedication.

“Their genuine compassion and commitment to patient wellbeing is evident, and made a profound difference in this patient’s ongoing health journey.”

Managing director Nick Johnson said: “The staff awards are a significant and meaningful part of our annual calendar. It is very gratifying to see our local community enthusiastically participating in the nominations.

“This award offers our staff as well as patients and the public the opportunity to offer their appreciation for our professional, hard-working and committed people. It also bolsters our commitment to provide compassionate care for our patients.”