A HOSPITAL team who completed nearly 30,000 appointments in a year have been recognised with a national award.

The Dermatology Outpatients team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) was awarded team of the year at the British Dermatology Nursing Group’s (BDNG) annual conference in Belfast.

Denise Hines, unit manager, Ceri Kennedy, skin cancer nurse specialist, Elizabeth Newsham, clinical nurse specialist and Angela Hewitson, dermatology nurse, collected the award.

BDNG introduced the award in 2008 to celebrate team work and as a recognition of the importance of working together.

BDNG had numerous nominations for the award and it was unanimously agreed that UHMBT was the best.

Denise said: “We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of every single member of the dermatology team across bay. The award recognises our team and their dedication and enthusiasm to provide the best possible patient care that we can.”

The unit offers dermatology outpatient services at Furness General Hospital, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Westmorland General Hospital and Ulverston Health Centre.

During April 1 2016 - March 31 2017 the team completed a staggering 28,828 outpatient appointments.

Richard Vallely, clinical services manager at UHMBT, said: “This is a fantastic award for this highly skilled and extremely busy nursing team. The team are the heart-beat of the department, always there to reassure concerned patients as well as delivering excellent patient care. Over recent years, the team has extended their skills base and many of these nurses now undertake additional duties not ordinarily found as part of the nursing job description. This reward is overdue as recognition for the excellent service they consistently deliver whilst demand for their services continuously increases.”

Sue Smith, executive chief nurse at UHMBT, said: “I am extremely proud of the team’s achievements. The team really do go above and beyond for their patients and thoroughly deserve this recognition.”