THREE Pembrokeshire health professionals have been named among the best in Wales.

In the recent Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales Nurse of the Year awards, Lorraine Handicott won the Community Nursing award, with Anne Gibby as runner-up.

And Paula Jeffery, who is an advanced nurse paramedic practitioner with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, was judged runner-up in the Innovation in Nursing award.

Lorraine is district nurse team leader for the Narberth area and Anne is a district nurse working in the Tenby, Saundersfoot and Narberth areas.

Lorraine was praised for her focus on ensuring her team maintains and develops new skills in order to enhance patient care and for going 'above and beyond' to ensure all patients receive the best of care.

"This is particularly evident in the palliative care element of the team's work, where families and carers will o ften remark how quickly and effectively Lorraine organises appropriate care and support to ensure both the patient and family needs are met," said the judging panel.

Anne, who has taken on the role of Chronic Condition Nurse Practitioner, has shown 'exemplary' dedication to patients, colleagues and staff, commented the judges.

She was recently invited to join the Hywel Dda Health Board's working group focusing on respiratory services, and has introduced a discharge care bundle for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Caroline Oakley, director of Nursing and Midwifery for Hywel Dda Health Board, said: "I am extremely proud of the work and the commitment shown by Lorraine and Anne – they are truly assets to the nursing community.”

Paula, from Maenclochog, has introduced and audited a pre-hospital recognition sepsis tool for paramedics. Her work has 'acted as a catalyst to improve outcomes for patients at risk of sepsis,' said the judges, adding: "Paula is highly motivated and committed to maintaining a consistently high standard of clinical excellence."

The awards ceremony was held at City Hall, Cardiff, and was hosted by television and radio presenter, Jason Mohammed. Guests included the First minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones and Welsh health minister, Mark Drakeford.

Awards were made in 15 categories, and RCN Wales acting director, Peter Meredith-Smith, said that they celebrated the successes of the nursing family - 'a group within health care that are so often taken for granted'.

He added: "We have seen just how committed these individuals are in upholding the highest standards of professional practice."