An innovative and collaborative piece of work undertaken by Lynn Turner from the Isle of Wight Healthcare Trust and Stephanie Stanley from the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust has managed to reduce amputation rates for diabetics with foot ulcers by 50%. This unique partnership has been hailed as a major piece of work by the British Journal of Nursing and clearly leads in its field.

At the Award Ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London last Friday, Lynn and Stephanie received were awarded second place, highly commended, and received a cheque for £375 to spend on their services.

Lynn Turner, a Tissue Viability Nurse Specialist, and Stephanie Stanley, Podiatrist, formed this unusual alliance in response to the fact that up to 15% of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers and studies suggest this leads to 84% of those being amputated.

Lynn Turner said “It just seemed to make sense for us to work together on this important project, combining our specialist skills has brought great benefits to our patients on the Island”

Stephanie Stanley said “We hope that other areas in the country will follow our lead in similar pieces of work. It was an honour to receive this prestigious national award and to represent the Island at this event.”