Debbie Robilliard, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, has been awarded a Nightingale grant for projects related to Multiple Sclerosis Nursing.
The International Organisation of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses (IOMSN) each year invite eligible candidates (who live and work outside of the USA) to apply for 10 Nightingale awards which grant $5,000 for projects related to MS Nursing.
This year Debbie Robilliard (pictured), a Clinical Nurse Specialist, was one of the 10 recipients chosen amongst 100s of applicants worldwide.
Debbie said: “My vision for my MS related project was to create an MS community outreach service, where clients could come for weekly community-based nurse led clinics, therapy and wellbeing intervention, support, education, and resources with the overarching aim to put care into the heart of the community and provide a streamlined service in the right place to meet the needs of my patients.”
The project will include support for child carers, to create a safe space where they can express their concerns and gain support, but also to have ‘time out’ and be able to take part in activities that allows them to just be in a carefree moment.
Debbie has been in discussion with local charities and has already run Christmas parties, but wanted to expand this with activity days or by linking in with the Youth Commission/Sunflower Trust to create health and wellbeing workshops for children.
Debbie explained: “As part of my continued to commitment to this group of patients, I am continually striving to improve the holistic approach to care and looking at more community health and well-being interventions. With the help the local charities, we have set up several interventions such as exercise programmes, support groups, singing, and dancing. I am looking to improve on this successful and innovative approach.”
The award recognizes significant accomplishments in MS nursing. June Halper, Chief Executive Officer of the IOMSN said: “This important honour shines a light on the profound role that the nursing professionals play in the lives of those affected by MS.”
