A Plymouth nurse has been recognised for her enthusiasm and commitment to helping prevent infections at a glittering awards ceremony.
Livewell Southwest nurse Gillian Mansfield was named as the Infection Prevention Society’s (IPS) Link Practitioner of the Year at the society’s annual awards ceremony in Liverpool in September.
The awards recognise those who work to ensure that the IPS vision that no person is harmed by a preventable infection is a reality.
The Practitioner of the Year award is given to someone who stands out for going above and beyond by implementing infection prevention strategies and initiatives within their immediate area or more widely across their organisation or community.
Jill works on Livewell’s Plym Neurological Rehabilitation Unit which cares for adults with acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions.
She has been an Infection Prevention and Control Link Practitioner for 10 years and was nominated by Livewell’s Infection, Prevention, Care and Advice team for her commitment to the role.
In their nomination, the team said: “During this time, Jill has demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment and has been making positive change and has been effective in making positive change and highlighting the importance of adhering to best infection practice.
“She implements new learning to influence change in practice and is always happy to share her expertise with others.”
Jill was also recognised for creating a spreadsheet to ensure that any infections are recorded accurately in the patient record and for designing a cleaning checklist which is used throughout Livewell.
Jill said: “I was flabbergasted when I found out I had been shortlisted and absolutely speechless when I was named the winner.
“I just couldn’t register what happened but I am really honoured.
“I’m just the link practitioner on the ward; I couldn’t do the job successfully without the team of healthcare assistants on Plym Neuro who support me. Although my name is on the award I see it as a whole team award.
“I would also like to thank the IPC&A team and my matron Sally Stephenson for her support and our former matron Mary Mermagen who was absolutely instrumental in helping me in my role as link practitioner.”
