44-year-old St George’s nurse Edi Lorusso has scooped a lifetime achievement award at the sixth annual Our Health Heroes Awards sponsored by NHS Employers (part of NHS Confederation).

Despite tough national competition, Edi secured nearly 60% of the public vote, with her impressive track record of achievement leading her to be named the overall winner.

Since joining St George’s as a staff nurse in 2000, Edi has become a passionate advocate for thrombosis prevention. So much so that her hard work and dedication led to the Trust being awarded and acknowledged as one of the Exemplar Sites for Venous ThromboEmbolism (VTE) prevention in the Houses of Parliament.

Edi was subsequently invited to participate in the All-Party Parliamentary Thrombosis Group (APPTG) and has attended meetings with MPs and NHS bosses in the House of Commons every year since 2010.

Aside from being a full-time nurse and a mum to two young children, Edi volunteers for various Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) networks related to healthcare, including Freedom To Speak Up and Philippine Nurses Association-UK, which provides pastoral welcome packages for newly arrived nurses from Philippines. Edi is also active in the wider community, visiting schools to inspire and educate young children to enter the nursing profession.

Speaking at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Science Museum in London, Senior Thrombosis Nurse Specialist Practitioner Edi said:

“At the age of 44 I’m very honoured just to be amongst the great nominees, let alone win. I’m really thankful and grateful to receive this award. I’d like to express my indebtedness and appreciation to my friends, family and colleagues who helped me throughout this journey.”

Robert Bleasdale, Chief Nurse at St George’s, said:

“Among the many thousands of nurses nationwide with incredible achievements, Edi’s really do stand out.”

“Edi has been central to St George’s reputation for innovation and excellence in thrombosis care and prevention for many years now and has touched countless lives through her pioneering work.

“In addition to her impressive track record of clinical achievements, Edi is an ambassador for her profession and passionate advocate for Filipino communities across the UK. She truly is an inspiration, and we are very proud of her.”

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers (part of the NHS Confederation) adds:

“NHS Employers is proud once again to have the opportunity to sponsor the outstanding contribution award, to ensure we recognise all the amazing people who work across the health service and who go above and beyond every day for our patients. These awards are a great way to celebrate our truly incredible people whose contribution and dedication deserves recognition. Across the country, healthcare staff are working incredibly hard to help recovery in the aftermath of COVID-19 and to provide the best care for patients and we look forward to celebrating their efforts.”

Notes to editors

Now in its sixth year, Our Health Heroes Awards is sponsored by Health Education England, UNISON, NHS Employers, SFJ Awards, Bevan Brittan and Chamberlain Dunn. To find out more visit: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/about-us/our-health-heroes-awards/

For media enquiries, please contact communications@stgeorges.nhs.uk.