Psoriasis Nurse of the Year 2017 Announced

Zahira Koreja is named Psoriasis Nurse of the Year 2017

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Zahira (right) receiving her award

Zahira Koreja, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in Blackburn, has won the ‘Psoriasis Nurse of the Year’ 2017 award. The award was presented to her in front of over 200 other nursing professionals at the British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG)'s Annual Conference in Belfast.

Zahira was nominated by her patients and stood out to the judges thanks to her dedication, compassion, and the support she provided.

Lancashire resident, Hudson Parsons, who nominated Zahira for the award, praised her ability to always find a solution, saying "I have lived with psoriasis for approximately 20 years and have had many dermatologists and nurses within this time. I can safely say that the care that I have received from Zahira is the best I have ever had. Zahira has been instrumental in helping me finally live a normal life by keeping my psoriasis under control”.

On winning the award, Zahira said “I was honoured to receive the award for Psoriasis Nurse of the year. Being involved with psoriatic patients is part of my role as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner that I thoroughly enjoy and feel passionate about. Our aim is to deliver safe, personal and effective care to all our patients. It is important to empower patients by giving them the tools needed to manage their long term condition and support them through their journey. Therefore, receiving this award is a privilege not just for myself but is a reflection of the dedication of the whole of the East Lancashire NHS Dermatology Department”.

Now in its second year, the Psoriasis Nurse of the Year Award, organised by the BDNG, a professional organisation of nurses working in dermatology, and supported by Celgene UK & Ireland, recognises the work of psoriasis nurses delivering exceptional support and care to their patients. The ‘Psoriasis Nurse of the Year’ award was judged by both members of the BDNG Executive Committee and representatives of The Psoriasis Association.  

Lynne Skrine, President of the British Dermatological Nursing Group, said “Nurses have a vital role to play in the ongoing care of people with psoriasis, providing both clinical and practical support to help those affected cope with their day to day lives. We were therefore delighted that the award is happening for a second time running and to receive such heartfelt nominations for nurses from all corners of the UK and Ireland, reinforcing just how much their support is appreciated by patients.”

Dr Dani Thomas, Medical Director for Inflammation and Immunology, Celgene UK & Ireland, commented “Celgene is committed to helping improve the lives of the people living with psoriasis. The positive reception of the award last year amongst the psoriasis nursing and patient community is testament to the fact that the award recognises the fundamental role that nurses play in delivering high quality care and support for people with psoriasis. For that reason, we are proud to be sponsoring this award for a second time running.”

Zahira Koreja was presented with a bespoke trophy, created by a graffiti artist, that depicts the support given by nurses to people with psoriasis.