By Pamela McGowan Health reporter

Last updated 09:33, Friday, 30 May 2008

An awards ceremony for health workers in north and west Cumbria will recognise numerous teams and individuals for their hard work and dedication to the NHS.

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Julie McQuire: ‘She has such enthusiasm and dedication’

But perhaps the category that means the most to finalists is the patients award, as the nominations have come directly from the people using the local health service.

Judges were inundated with nominations from across the area but have now managed to whittle it down to a shortlist of two.

The finalists are specialist dietician Lorna Harrison and west Cumbrian midwife Julie McQuire.

Lorna, who has worked at the Cumberland Infirmary for 10 years, specialises in eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Her role is about helping patients – many at severe nutritional risk – to change their relationship with food.

She works closely with other professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists and GPs to ensure they receive all the support that they need.

She said: “It’s fascinating. Eating disorders are very complex conditions and they are underestimated as an illness.

“At the moment I’m one of only a few people in Cumbria with identified hours to deal with people with eating disorders.”

Patients are referred to Lorna by their consultant psychologist as part of their treatment and recovery.

“For someone with an eating disorder it is very difficult to come to see me because I represent the enemy – food – and they have to face up to it.

“We try to identify what their reasons are for feeling like that and look at different techniques and approaches.

“I’m here to assess the physical risk and monitor their weight.

“However the nature of the condition is that no matter how low their weight is, they don’t perceive it that way.”

Lorna said she was amazed but delighted to be nominated for the patients award and thinks it’s because of the close bond she has with clients.

“I like to think that we develop some sort of relationship and build up trust. There’s no quick fix. Sometimes you see progress, sometimes you take steps back.

“What I will say is that they are all really lovely people who are trapped in a situation that quite frankly any of us could find ourselves in.”

One of the people who nominated Lorna said: “She has gone above and beyond, providing a massive contribution towards my ongoing recovery and future health and happiness.

“She is a credit to her profession and I cannot express my thanks and admiration for the job she has done for me and countless others.”

Meanwhile, midwife Julie McQuire has a very varied role which sees her working both in the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and the wider community.

This includes running a series of antenatal and postnatal support sessions, aquanatal classes and hospital tours for parents-to-be.

She also dedicates part of her week to helping west Cumbria’s teenage mums, including running a dedicated support group for younger mothers.

She is particularly keen to help them get back into employment or education if they wish and works closely with Connexions to make this possible.

Julie, who has worked as a midwife for 15 years, enjoys every aspect of her job.

She said: “You couldn’t do this job if you didn’t. I don’t work set hours as such, you have to be flexible but I don’t mind.

“I think because you see them when they are pregnant, often at the hospital and then afterwards you get to know them really well as families.

“I’m always happy and will do anything I can to help.

“I’m not saying I dedicate my whole life to it, I have a family myself who keep me busy, but whatever needs done gets done.”

Among the comments received about Julie, one mum said: “She has such enthusiasm and dedication for what she does, she inspires women to try new things and feel really positive about motherhood, which can be a daunting prospect.”

Another said: “I don’t know how Julie fits everything into her working day. She is always happy and bubbly and gave me fantastic support and advice.”

The winner, along with those in all the other categories, will be announced at an awards ceremony at Rheged, Penrith, on Thursday, June 12.