This award was given at the 2025 ASCN Annual Conference held at International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales last week.
The award, formally known as the Philip Salt Award – ASCN UK Stoma Care Nurse of the Year – is sponsored by Salts Healthcare and recognises exceptional dedication, innovation, and excellence in stoma care across the UK. It is one of the most prestigious accolades in the field, honouring nurses who make a lasting impact on their patients and the profession.
Gill’s win comes as no surprise to colleagues she works with and patients she cares for. In November 2024, she received the Trust’s Outstanding Contribution for Living Our Values Award for going above and beyond to support a young patient and their family preparing for life with a stoma. By arranging a visit from another young person with similar lived experience, Gill turned a daunting situation into one filled with reassurance and hope.
Gill said of her national award: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from my peers. Every day, I’m privileged to support people during what can be one of the most challenging times of their lives. To be recognised for doing a job I love – and for something I’m so passionate about – is truly humbling. I also want to give special thanks to my colleague Mel, with whom I work side by side every day – this award is as much hers as it is mine. And to our manager Liz, whose support and encouragement have played such a key role in helping me grow and achieve this – I’m deeply grateful.”
Liz Barker, Head of Nursing for Surgery, said: “Huge congratulations to Gill on this fantastic and well-deserved recognition. Her dedication to patient care and continuous improvement in stoma services is inspiring. Gill’s work – alongside her colleague Mel – truly demonstrates the power of teamwork, and I’m incredibly proud to see her celebrated on a national stage.”
Pippa Street, Chief Nurse at The QEH, added: “This award is so well deserved. This award not only reflects her outstanding expertise in stoma care but also Gill’s ability to connect deeply with the people she supports, helping them navigate life-changing circumstances with dignity, empathy, and hope. Gill’s work changes lives every day, and we are so proud to see her recognised nationally.”
The ASCN Annual Conference is the UK’s largest event for Specialist Stoma Care Nurses, drawing professionals from across the NHS and industry for three days of education, collaboration, and innovation in care. Gill’s achievement stands as a shining example of the excellence within QEH and the wider nursing profession.
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Mian photo caption: From left (Melanie Harding, Gill Skipper and Denise Lucas)
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