Elizabeth Gibson and Lauren Byrne

Medical Nurse Recognition Award 2024

Ms Gibson & Byrne summarise:

“This project developed the first and only virtual, complex nutrition ward in the country. The ward was created to reduce the length of hospital stays or avoid admission to hospital for patients with complex conditions including intestinal failure.”

What did it feel like to win this award?

“I am extremely proud of this piece of work. It is incredible to have the recognition that comes with receiving the award. I am appreciative of the opportunities I’ve had to expand my knowledge and abilities, and I’m eager to pursue this further. I want to express my gratitude to Izzie for being the greatest coworker and friend for being a consistent source of inspiration and support.”

— Ms Byrne

“I am very grateful for this award, and it has given my confidence to ‘trust my guts’ when making changes in healthcare. It is so important to have a confidante when doing something scary, and that is Lauren! I love being able to make a difference to my patients lives through the support of my colleagues, my leaders, and my organisation. It is wonderful for the virtual ward to be recognised as an innovation in complex nutrition and hope it can be replicated on a bigger scale. I am excited to build on the experience and pursue a career to become a Nurse Consultant in Gastroenterology.“

— Ms Gibson

Read more about Ms Gibson’s and Ms Byrne’s project, focused on the gut, below.