A CUMBRIAN health professional has been nominated for a national award.

Vicky Milburn, who helps patients across South Lakeland and Furness, is an assistant practitioner at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

She has been short-listed for a national nurse award for her role in a pilot programme to help patients with chronic respiratory conditions to stay in their homes longer.

Vicky, part of the specialist respiratory team, was listed from more than 650 entries for her involvement in the programme, which offered patients with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease a more tailored package of care to meet their needs.

It included educating the patients about how to identify a possible infection on their lungs, and how to administer their own emergency medication.

Vicky said: “I’m really pleased to be shortlisted; It is a fantastic opportunity and I feel that all the hard work has been recognised not only for the team but also for the patients. It feels unreal to be a finalist – it makes it feel like even more of an achievement.’’

One of her patients is Robert McGladdery, 63, who said: “Vicky is a gem. Without her and the team I would have found myself in a pickle a number of times. Vicky can spot a problem straight away and knows how to help. I am very grateful for the help I have received from her – she has saved me from going to hospital a number of times.’’

Vicky is shortlisted for the Innovations in Respiratory Award and will attend a ceremony next month in London.