A COMMITMENT to easing desperation caused by the pain, disability and disfigurement of lymphoedema has earned a top award for a nurse at Buckland Hospital, Dover.

Christine Wise, from Walmer near Deal, has won an NHS health innovation award as Nurse of the Year in the face of some outstanding competition from around the county.

Her win was announced at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, Blue Bell Hill. The awards were organised for the first time by the Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority.

Mrs Wise was nominated by patients for the award because seven-years ago she set up a nurse-led lymphoedema service at the William Harvey Hospital.

A treatment clinic existed at Kent and Canterbury Hospital but patients living within the WHH's catchment, including Dover and Deal, had little access to existing services. Since then she has shown total dedication to their plight.

Mrs Wise is delighted to have won, mainly because it provides the ideal chance to highlight the needs of patients and raise awareness about lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system malfunctions resulting in the chronic swelling of a limb and/or other parts of the body. Mrs Wise said: "My work is primarily concerned with patients who develop lymphoedema as a direct result of cancer treatment.

"However there are many reasons why lymphoedema may develop and many patients with this condition have no access to any care. This is a national problem and until this condition is recognised as a vital area of care and appropriate funding allocated, particularly at government level, it is unlikely to improve.

"I feel very honoured to have been chosen as nurse of the year and I hope this award will help raise awareness."

Lymphoedema has been highlighted as one of the UK's most neglected medical conditions in the UK although it is estimated to affect one in every 50 people. Its treatment is a relatively new area of care.

The awards are backed by the Kent Messenger Group.