The award was presented to her in front of over 200 other nursing professionals at the British Dermatological Nursing Groups annual conference in Belfast last week.

Being involved with psoriatic patients is part of my role that I thoroughly enjoy and feel passionate about

Zahira Koreja

She was nominated by her patients and stood out to the judges, they said, due to her dedication, compassion, and the support she provided to those in her care.

Hudson Parsons, who nominated Ms Koreja 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, he said. Zahira has been instrumental in helping me finally live a normal life by keeping my psoriasis under control.

Lancashire ANP named psoriasis nurse of the year

Lynne Skrine and Zahira Koreja

On winning the award, Ms Koreja 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, she said. 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, she said.

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, she added.

As reported by Nursing Times, the dermatology outpatients team at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust was named team of the year at the same event.

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 both members of the British Dermatological Nursing Groups executive committee and representatives from the charity the Psoriasis Association.

Lynne Skrine, president at British Dermatological Nursing Group, said: Nurses have a vital role to play in the ongoing care of people with psoriasis, providing both clinical and practical support to help those affected cope with their day to day lives.

We were therefore delighted that the award is happening for a second time running and to receive such heartfelt nominations for nurses from all corners of the UK and Ireland, reinforcing just how much their support is appreciated by patients, she added.

Ms Koreja was presented with a bespoke trophy, created by a graffiti artist, that depicts the support given by nurses to people with psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Nurse of the Year award is fully funded by the biopharmaceutical company Celgene UK & Ireland.

Excerpt from:

Lancashire ANP named 'psoriasis nurse of the year' - Nursing Times