CEREDIGION lymphoedema nurse practitioner Sarah Hytch has been presented with an award at a national conference.

Sarah received her award, for raising awareness of lymphoedema, at the 30th annual British Lymphology Society Conference after being nominated by a colleague.

The award was presented at the event in Birmingham by Mark Allen of Healthcare Group/British Journal of Community Nursing, sponsors of the award, in front of an audience of over 300 professionals.

Caroline Oakley, director of nursing, quality and patient experience, said: “It’s fantastic that Sarah’s hard work and commitment has been publicly recognised. It is thanks to staff like Sarah that we can give our patients the best possible care – congratulations Sarah!”

Lymphoedema affects hundreds of thousands of people in Britain, many of whom must manage the condition to minimise symptoms. Sarah leads on education for health professionals in Ceredigion, teaching a variety of staff about the condition and how to manage it.

She works in partnership with district and practice nurses in Ceredigion, overcoming the difficulties of a rural location by visiting patients at home and GP surgeries to plan their care.

To date, Sarah has supported more than 100 learners across the university health board through this accredited learning including district nurses, practice nurses, ward staff, physiotherapists, nursing home staff and occupational therapists.