A HOT-shot heart specialist is pumped to have been awarded a rare opportunity to further enhance her skills.

Heart failure nurse Viki Jenkins, from Harlech, is one of only four health specialists in the UK to be recognised with a prestigious award.

Viki Jenkins, from Harlech, has been awarded the Richard Tompkins Scholarship which provides a development opportunity for a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor who is committed to developing person-centred cultures of care.

The scholarship includes attendance at a five-day residential international practice development, 12 months bespoke mentorship from The Foundation of Nursing Studies (FoNS) to support an innovation in practice, an opportunity to work towards publishing a paper in the Internal Practice Development Journal as a novice writer, and also an honorary FoNS Associate registration for 12 months.

Viki, who won the ‘Rising Star’ award at the 2017 BHF Alliance Awards for her work in delivering a mobile heart scanning clinic in Gwynedd, says she is overwhelmed to receive the prestigious scholarship opportunity.

She said: “This opportunity will help me to develop both myself and my service.

“The residential school and mentorship programme is going to be a game changing opportunity and help me to drive forwards on improving patient care.

“It is such an exciting opportunity and I am open to learning with developing myself and the role and service further for optimal patient care and experience with the support of the Foundation of Nursing Studies over the next 12 months.”

Delia Roberts, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board matron for district nursing west, said: “It is very inspiring for other Betsi Cadwaladr nurses to see what opportunities are available and I am sure that Viki will make the most of her learning from this.”