A NURSE has been hailed as one of the giants of her profession for her work in improving the lives of extremely vulnerable people.

Calderstones senior staff nurse Lynsey Brown was one of just 25 UK nurses honoured by a judging panel as ‘nursing royalty’.

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The awards were organised by The Nursing Times, a magazine and website publishing original nursing research and a variety of clinical articles for nurses at all stages in their career.

Lynsey, 38, and colleagues worked in a pilot scheme in three prisons in the North West and introduced new ways to safely support offenders with learning disabilities.

They put in place their own package of training specific to the prison environment to support staff needing experience in dealing with learning disabilities.

As a result, there were fewer incidents of the prisoners requiring restraint, isolation and engaging in self-harm.

The judges said: “Lynsey has made a huge contribution to improving the lives of an extremely vulnerable and disadvantaged group.”

Lynsey received her award from her peers at a glittering ceremony in London on a day which not only saw her meeting Prince Charles, but also a national shortlisting for her colleagues in Calderstones Forensic Support Service, based at the hospital near Whalley.

Lynsey, who lives in Ribble Valley, said: “As a forensic learning disability service the nurses within the trust hold unique skills.

“These have been influential in making positive change.

“The presentations at national and local conferences helped raise awareness of the challenges and inequalities that individuals with learning disabilities face.

“The award has given me confidence in the skills I hold and has shown me that when you are passionate about something you can enthuse others to listen, take note and want to contribute to change.”

Susan Warburton, deputy director of nursing at NHS England, thanked Lynsey on Twitter, saying: “Great news that fab staff at Calderstones are recognised”.

Calderstones chief executive officer Mark Hindle has worked closely with Lynsey on a number of projects.

He said: “At a time when learning disability services are very much under the spotlight, it is a source of huge pride that some of the very best national experts have once again supported and celebrated the value of our nursing.”