Two mental health nurses are in the running for prestigious national awards for their life-changing work in Hounslow .
Lucy Emms and Nana Owusu, clinical nurse specialists at Hounslow Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), have been shortlisted in the Nursing Times 2016 Awards.
Ms Emms is shortlisted in the nurse of the year category, which recognises those who have gone above and beyond what is expected of them.
Ms Owusu is up for the rising star award, which honours those demonstrating exceptional nursing and leadership skills.
'Inspirational nurse'
Ms Emms has dedicated the past 15 years to working with children and young people diagnosed with neuro-developmental disorders.
She has developed and runs support groups for parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and runs psycho-education and treatment groups for children with ADHD.
One of the many people she has helped said: "When things had spiralled out of control, she somehow took the intensity away almost immediately, making everything become manageable and less daunting and thus enabling us to work things through."
Ann Simms, lead nurse at West London Mental Health Trust CAMHS, said: "Lucy is an inspirational nurse, excellent role model and highly valued colleague, who has made an immense positive impact on so many children, young people and their families."
'Dedication and commitment deserves recognition'
Ms Owusu has worked tirelessly to help young patients shape the services they receive, with that empowerment often playing a key role in their recovery.
She is currently striving to end the stigma surrounding mental health by teaming up with the FA organisation Kick It Out on a new campaign.
Ms Simms said: "Nana truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality care for children and young people with mental health problems and their families."
The winners of the Nursing Times Awards are due to be announced on October 26 in a ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
