A haemophilia nurse from South Yorkshire has been named the best in the country.

Cathy Harrison, an advanced practice nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, has been awarded the UK Nurse of the Year Award following her work treating patients with bleeding disorders.

The award, presented by Nursing Times, recognizes Ms Harrison’s “transformational change in the care of patients around the world”, according to the NHS trust for which she works.

Ms Harrison, whose work in the NHS includes raising the profile of chronic but little-known disorders, said it was “amazing” that her efforts had been recognised.

The judging panel praised Ms Harrison as “an excellent role model of professionalism, determination and passion, who consistently goes above and beyond expectations.”

According to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Ms Harrison had been serving the blood and bleeding disorder community for nearly two decades.

A spokesman said their work involves “comprehensive care for a range of adults with inherited bleeding disorders”.

“His commitment to his patients is unrelenting and he has worked with patient organizations to promote understanding of conditions and raise awareness.

“He has also worked with the global bleeding disorders community in his role at the World Hemophilia Federation to share knowledge and experience with clinicians in the developing world.”

The spokeswoman added that Ms Harrison had also developed a national training course for nurses and healthcare professionals.

Ms Harrison said: “It was amazing to win this award and to have work on these rare diseases recognized.

“It was amazing to see the amazing things nurses are doing across the country – a reflection of what happens every day in global nursing practice.”

Patient Dave Gort said Ms Harrison “deserved the Nurse of the Year award” because her calm and quick-thinking demeanor “literally saved” his life following an emergency in which he lost half a pint of blood.

“Haemophilia affects me because my blood takes much longer than normal to clot,” Mr. Gort said.

“In addition to his extensive clinical knowledge, everything he does he does with care and compassion, a cheerful attitude and, most importantly, a sense of humour.”

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