Sarah Rabbitte, Learning Disability Nurse, Shortlisted for Nursing Times Award 2024

Sarah Rabbitte, Learning Disability Nurse at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for meaningful patient and public involvement

Sarah Rabbitte, a Learning Disability (LD) Nurse at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), has been shortlisted for a prestigious Nursing Times Award 2024. She is recognised for meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI) for people with learning disabilities in the DECODE research study.

DECODE, a collaborative research project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to Develop and Enhance the Care Coordination for People with Intellectual Disabilities and Multiple Long-Term Conditions (DECODE).The project brings together researchers, clinicians, and patients from UK universities and partner hospitals.

The Clinical Research Nursing Award Category, sponsored by the NIHR, celebrates the vital role of nurses in the delivery of high-quality clinical research. Sarah co-leads the PPI aspect of the DECODE project, working alongside Amy Wilkins, Speech and Language Therapist.

Research is often challenging to access for many, particularly those with learning disabilities. Sarah's expertise as an LD nurse has been instrumental in implementing adjustments that make research more accessible. These adjustments include the development of Easy Read information leaflets and posters, hosting meetings in accessible locations with pre-paid transport, and offering tailored training sessions. Sarah also prepared individualised communication support to ensure that everyone could contribute meaningfully to the project.

This approach has allowed participants to fully engage in research, ensuring their voices are heard. Sarah's work is the gold standard of PPI, with other research projects being encouraged to adopt similar approaches.

Through these adjustments, Sarah has broadened the reach of the DECODE study, allowing more people to engage meaningfully and opening the door to new opportunities for involvement in research.

When asked about her nomination, Sarah expressed her gratitude to several key individuals who have been significant in her journey. She acknowledged Lizelle Bernhardt and the LPT Clinical Academic Team, whose proactive support has been fundamental to her success. "Without them," Sarah noted, "I would not have received this recognition."

Sarah also extended her thanks to Satheesh Gangadharan and Thomas Jun, the Principal Investigators of the DECODE study, for their unwavering support in enabling her to carry out her role effectively. A special mention was given to Amy Wilkins, who Sarah collaborates closely on the PPI aspect of the project.

Finally, Sarah expressed her deep appreciation of the DECODE PPI members, emphasising that none of this would have been possible without their contributions.

The winners of the Nursing Times Awards 2024 will be announced at a Ceremony on Wednesday 23 October 2024, at the Grosvenor House Hotel. We wish Sarah the best of luck!

For the complete list of award categories and shortlisted nominees, click here.