NNUH learning disability nurse nominated as Rising Star

Tara Webster, Acute Liaison Nurse for Learning Disabilities, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) is a finalist for a prestigious national award which showcases the excellent work nurses carry out every day.
Tara joined the hospital in December 2013 and works clinically with adult in-patients and out-patients every day, ensuring staff are given advice and support so that reasonable adjustments can be made for patients with learning disabilities and/or autism. Tara also supports the education and training given to other hospital colleagues and has inspired changes both small and large across the hospital.
Tara has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category of the 2014 Nursing Times Awards. This award aims to recognise a nurse who has been qualified for less than five years, and who demonstrates exceptional qualities that embody the best of nursing and the leadership skills to inspire others to follow their example. Nurses like these will be a positive influence on the profession throughout their careers.
Tara was nominated by her manager Tristan Johnson, Acute Liaison Nurse for Learning Disabilities, for creating significant changes in practice across a range of professions within the hospital. She has also implemented creative solutions to enable clinical teams to change their practice to benefit the patients she supports. Tara often works closely alongside patients consultants to support them and give specialist advice.
The Nursing Times Awards profile good practice and innovations that have been implemented by frontline staff and celebrate organisations commitment to achieving excellence. There are 17 categories of awards which include a range of specialties including cancer, respiratory, learning disabilities and mental health.
Emma McKay, Director of Nursing at NNUH, said: We are thrilled that Tara has been recognised for the significant difference she is making to support the NNUH to continue to improve our systems, services and the care that is delivered to patients with learning disabilities and/or autism when they come into hospital.
The winners of the 2014 Nursing Times Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 29th October.