Monday 29 February 2016. A pioneering weight management programme created by CSH Surrey's Practice Development Lead for School Nursing, Chris McDermott (right in picture), has been shortlisted for a national award.
The programme, Healthy Weight, Healthy Lifestyles, has reached the finals of the Child Nursing category of the 2016 RCNi Nurse Awards (previously the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards), which recognise and celebrate nurse innovators.
The unique, evidence-based programme is designed to support overweight 5-19 year olds in mid Surrey to stabilise their weight and adopt healthier lifestyles. The innovative, child-centred programme was commissioned as a six-month pilot by Surrey County Council. Following early promising results, the commissioners extended the pilot until 31st March 2016, and asked Surrey’s two other community providers to develop pilot programmes based on CSH Surrey’s approach.
Participants benefit from a 7-part programme of 1:1 face-to-face and phone support with a specially trained school nurse, who covers topics such as motivation, food and diet, understanding food labels, physical activity and lifestyle tips, such as healthy snack ideas and behaviour change. Support is also offered through partnerships with local leisure centres, as well as through aids such as pedometers, Apps and information leaflets.
The winner will be announced at the RCNi Nurse Awards in London on Friday 6th May 2016.