Duo win top award for pioneering work with rare skin condition patients

Tuesday 10 July 2012


Sally Turner and Katie Mullard with their award

Two leading nurses have been recognised for their work with people who cannot tolerate ultra violet (UV) light because of a rare, hereditary skin condition, by winning a prestigious award.

Katie Mullard and Sally Turner, 2 of our specialist nurses, have been awarded the British Dermatological Nursing Group Team of the Year Award 2012, for their work with patients and families living with Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP).

XP is a genetic disorder which means that the skin may burn easily and cannot repair itself when damaged by UV light.

Once the skin is damaged the effects of the disorder can be devastating as most patients will develop skin cancers. About 30% of patients develop eye, nerve or brain problems.

The nurses, who work in the only specialist centre in the UK treating adults and children with XP, are part of an expert team of dermatologists, neurologists, geneticists, ophthalmologists and psychologists.

Sally said: "A few simple steps can make all the difference to a young patient's life.”

“We not only support families, but provide help and advice to local health professionals, teachers, school friends and colleagues. We all play a part in making the lives of patients a full, active and happy one."

“Together we can make a real difference to our patients.”

Sandra Webb, secretary of the XP Support Group and mother of an 18 year old patient says: “It can be difficult to hear that your child has such a rare condition but the nurses here have been fabulous. Whenever we come up to the clinic we feel looked after. They are always here to provide reassurance and we can call them at any time to talk about concerns or issues.

“The fact that they visit us in our homes is tremendous, making sure that we understand how to help someone with XP to live a safe and fulfilling life”. 

Last updated: March 2022

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