Newham nurse scoops national prize
Nuru Clark, the senior diabetes nurse specialist (DNS) for antenatal care at Newham Hospital has been awarded the prestigious British Journal of Nursing DNS of the Year award 2023.
In her pioneering and unique role, Nuru supports women with diabetes from preconception, through to pregnancy and post-pregnancy. At the pre-conception stage, Nuru supports all aspects of her patients’ health and wellbeing. She tailors management of their diabetes carefully, including addressing fertility issues, working to help them conceive and have a healthy pregnancy.
Nuru carries out this work in the backdrop of Newham, one of the UK's most deprived and diverse boroughs, which has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy in England (~150 cases/year). Each year, Nuru provides high-quality, evidence-based, individualised, equitable care to these 150 pregnant women. And it works. The data shows that under her care, only 28% of babies born to women with diabetes were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The figure nationally is 45%.
Finally, at the post-pregnancy stage, Nuru continues to support these women in managing their diabetes and provides expert advice in relation to fertility and contraception for the future.
Speaking on the win, Nuru said: “I’m so proud to have won this award. I would like to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this opportunity. I would also like to thank all of my colleagues at Newham Hospital, in particular my manager Anne, the endocrine and consultant teams, and my patients who mean a lot to me. I have never in my entire career worked with a team who make me feel so valuable. Working with all of these people has allowed me to be who I am and where I am today and I’m very grateful to them all, and for this award. Thank you.”
Her manager Anne Claydon says the praise should all be Nuru’s. “I’m incredibly proud of Nuru, who is a lynchpin between midwifery, obstetrics, perinatal mental health and primary care teams and has transformed this service beyond recognition. She cares deeply about the women she supports, especially those who are marginalised or vulnerable, or who have experienced pregnancy loss or complications.”
On the recognition of Nuru’s work, Tristram Mills, director of nursing at Newham Hospital said: “Nuru has built incredible relationships across team, provides high-quality training, acts a leader, is always available to offer advice, support, praise and encouragement and puts her patients at the heart of all she does. I know I speak for everyone at Newham Hospital when I say we’re so proud of her and all she’s done.”
Speaking on the care she received from Nuru, a patient said: “I would like to express my gratitude for the amazing service Nuru gave me throughout my pregnancy. She went above and beyond and made me feel so comfortable and was always there when I needed her. We need more nurses like her.”.