VOIRREY Johnson, a community nurse specialist in continence based in the Isle of Man, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times Award, in competition with candidates from across the United Kingdom.
Voirrey's submission "Joined up care for women with an over-active bladder" has propelled her into the final six of the Awards' Continence Promotion and Care category.
The winner will be announced at a gala award dinner on Wednesday, November 3 at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Health Minister David Anderson MHK said: "Although we're still awaiting the final result, I'd like to congratulate Voirrey for reaching the shortlist.
"This is a tremendous achievement and demonstrates just one element of the world-class healthcare we're able to offer the people of the Isle of Man.
"With increasing financial pressures it's paramount that we continue to look at innovative ways to provide care to those in our community and whilst doing so, ensure that we approach treatment in a joined-up manner.
"I wish Voirrey the very best of luck for the 3rd of November."
Voirrey, who has worked in the Department of Health for 21 years as continence advisor, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be shortlisted.
"The nomination was specifically for the work carried out alongside my colleague, consultant gynaecologist Mr Mike Divers, to help women overcome the condition known as 'over-active bladder'.
"We focussed on enabling women to have follow-up appointments nearer to, or even at home, and worked to provide better continuity of care.
"Reaching the shortlist is testament to the work and endeavours not just of myself but also my colleagues within the Department of Health.
"Continence is an important subject - people can naturally feel embarrassed or ashamed and problems with bladder or bowel control can be extremely distressing.
"But almost one third of the population will likely encounter some form of incontinence at some stage of their lives; it's much more common than some people realise.
"For anyone who has any concerns or wishes to talk to someone in confidence, they can see their GP, or contact me direct on 693551 to discuss attending my drop-in clinics at Ramsey and Port Erin as well as clinics by appointment at Noble's Hospital, Braddan and Murray's Road."
As continence advisor Voirrey spends one afternoon a week in Noble's Hospital as part of the uro-gynaecology clinic team.
This enables her to see her own patients using the hospital facilities as well as allowing her to effectively take over the care of other patients who need ongoing monitoring, bladder training and support.
Voirrey added: "Patients can choose when and where to have their follow-up appointments, as I have nurse-led clinics in other areas across the Island, or I can do home visits if preferred.
"The key benefit is continuity of care. Patients can always be sure that they will see the same person and they appreciate choice of venue and time.
"Use of the hospital facilities allows me to use my time more effectively and utilising my role to carry out appropriate care has freed up consultant time, reducing the uro-gynaecology waiting list."
Director of Community Nursing Cath Quilliam said: "The Nursing Times Awards exist to ensure nurses are recognised and rewarded for their excellent work.
"Reaching the finals of these national awards highlights the quality of work being undertaken within the Continence Advisory Service in the Isle of Man.
"I think one comment from the head of the panel of experts who judged Voirrey’s presentation says it all: 'It is obvious that Voirrey is passionate about her work and her patients', I certainly find that this consistently shows through in her work."
Each year the Continence Advisory Service has more than 300 new contacts – some of which require only advice over the phone; others with more complex problems might require a number of appointments.
People with bladder (or bowel) problems - or those who care for someone with such problems - are able to contact the continence advisor direct.
Otherwise referrals come from doctors, other community nurses, social services and others.
