The North of England Thoracic Society (NETS), has awarded its first-ever non-medical recipient the highly coveted ‘Golden Bronch’ Award.
For many years the NETS has run its annual event called ‘The Golden Bronchoscope’ where abstracts are welcomed from resident doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals (AHPs) in the hope of being awarded the ‘Golden Bronch’.
This year’s winner, Alison Armstrong, nurse consultant in the home ventilation team at Newcastle Hospitals, was recognised for her impressive abstract on how to support home ventilation patients with navigating air travel.
Alison said: “Many patients who require home ventilation don’t even realise that air travel is a possibility for them. Of course, it takes a lot of planning, but it is absolutely feasible. I’m passionate about driving education around this, for both patients and respiratory professionals, to support our patients in getting the most out of their lives.”
Alison has been a nurse consultant in the Newcastle Hospitals assisted ventilation service for over 25 years and also sits on the board of the British Thoracic Society as current chair of the education and training committee. She is the first nurse to have been appointed as chair across any of the standard BTS committees.
Describing her reaction to the win, Alison said: “I’m genuinely blown away. I was up against so many incredible submissions that I really didn’t expect it. I’m very proud to be flying the flag for nurses and AHP’s within respiratory, and I hope my win inspires others to join organisations such as NETS and to shout about all of the incredible work they are doing.
“The longstanding hierarchy that exists in healthcare acts as a deterrent for many people, who don’t feel they have a platform in medical practice to share their knowledge and experience. I think it’s really important that medical societies and boards have multiprofessional representation, to create a better future for patients.”
Founded in 1918, the North of England Thoracic society aims to improve care for patients suffering with thoracic diseases, promote good respiratory health and support learning for members through regular educational events.
Dr. Nicholas Lane, respiratory and NEAVS consultant, in addition to honorary secretary of the society, added: “At NETS we’re incredibly proud of our active and multi-disciplinary membership, which has thankfully been increasing over the last few years. The annual Golden Bronchoscope event is always fantastic, with fierce competition from around the region.
“Alison’s abstract and presentation were outstanding, and her win is so very well deserved! We are also delighted that she is our first non-medical recipient of this award. I would encourage all healthcare professionals to get involved in their local societies, to learn from colleagues and exhibit the brilliant work they are doing.”
