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Double award success for Lewisham Rheumatology team
Colleagues from the Rheumatology team at University Hospital Lewisham are celebrating a remarkable double success at the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society’s (NRAS) Healthcare Champions Awards.
Leah Irungu, Lead Rheumatology Nurse Specialist, received an individual NRAS Healthcare Champion award, while the hospital’s wider Rheumatology team was also recognised with a team award.
The awards were presented last Friday 2 October as part of celebrations marking the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society’s 25th anniversary. They recognise healthcare professionals and teams who have gone the extra mile to provide exemplary patient care.
To make the honour extra special, the winners were patient nominated, with winners selected from more than 100 patient nominations by a judging panel of rheumatology experts, senior clinicians and patient representatives.
Leah’s win
Leah’s nominations reflect her abundance of clinical expertise, but also put a spotlight on the compassion, patience and humanity she brings to every clinic. One patient described Leah as “my angel” and said she “has been crucial in guarding me as much as possible from the heightened vulnerability to COVID and getting me through to current remission physically and mentally.”
Another patient described how Leah worked with them to explore different treatment options when their arthritis had left them barely able to walk: “Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, she patiently explored different treatment options with me, working in true partnership until we found the solution that worked.”
Moreover, Leah became a personal champion of this patient: “[Once] I casually mentioned during a clinic appointment that I would be presenting my research at the British Library. To my surprise and delight, Leah attended to support me. This simple but powerful gesture exemplifies her nature: she celebrates others successes as if they were her own.”
Leah said: “Receiving this award is incredibly special because the nominations came from patients - reading them genuinely brought me to tears! It is a privilege to support people who need our care and work in tandem with them, but also I am fortunate to work as part of a truly incredible Rheumatology team.”
A team success
The team award also highlighted the difference colleagues make through responsive, practical and compassionate care. One patient said the team had shown a great deal of kindness and patience through flare-ups, medication changes and periods of poor mental health, adding: “They have never given up on me, even at times when I was giving up on myself.”
Another nominator said the team had “given me my life back” after they went from being fit and healthy to living with constant pain and being unable to walk.
Dr Louise Pollard, Clinical Lead for Rheumatology at University Hospital Lewisham, said: “This recognition means a great deal to all of us because it is rooted in the experiences of our patients. Rheumatology care is a team effort, involving consultants, specialist nurses, administrative colleagues and many others working closely together - but at the end of the day, it all has the patient’s needs and goals right at the centre.
“As well as delight at the team success, we all feel enormously proud of Leah. Her sheer determination to do the best for every patient represents the values our team, and our Trust, work to uphold each day. These awards belong to everyone who contributes to the care and support our patients receive.”
Dr Mehool Patel, LGT’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for Leah and the entire Rheumatology team. The words shared by their patients show how compassionate care can transform lives for the better, particularly when people are coping with long-lasting pain and diagnoses that require constant management.
“I would like to congratulate Leah and every member of the team. Their success is richly deserved.”
The double award is a proud moment for the Trust and a fitting recognition of a team who have helped patients regain confidence, independence and hope - as well as health.