Advanced nurse practitioner wins research scholarship for 'inspiring' work at Colwyn Bay medical centre

An advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) has won a coveted national scholarship award after furthering research at her medical centre.

Lucie Parry, based at West End Medical Centre in Colwyn Bay, has been awarded the Betsi Cadwaladr Foundation Scholarship Award by the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Sue Tranka.

The hope is, by introducing a culture of evidence-based research into the practice, they will retain staff and attract others to work there.

Lucie’s colleague, primary care consultant nurse, Nia Boughton, highlighted her efforts – and the importance of enhancing the practice’s research culture. Nia said:

This is about Lucie and what she has done to make our work environment better. She is so inspiring. There was nothing research-wise until she joined the practice. One of the things which helps retain staff is the opportunity to conduct research. It also gives patients opportunities for interventions and treatments they might not get otherwise.”

The awards, administered by the Royal College of Nursing, are open to all registered nurses, midwives and specialist community public health nurses.

To be considered, entrants must excel in either leadership, clinical practice, research and development or education and training.

Lucie helped build a group of eight health professionals involved in research, with three studies recruiting and eight more being set up. They have presented at national conferences and collaborated with other research teams. Lucie added:

I asked staff how important they thought research was, then we got involved in national studies and we opened others.

Patients want to take part and staff really enjoy it. It’s a positive thing.

Hopefully the award will help us get that funding to do more research.”

Lucie will receive her award, and a cheque for £1,500 to help her further the team’s research work, in Cardiff this October.