24 March 2025
Sue Sargeant and Claire Donnelly picked up the award at the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) Award at a ceremony in London over the weekend.
The pair, who work at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust are gaining national recognition for their work to stop the over medication of people (STOMP) with a learning disability, autism or both.
They support primary care network pharmacists to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver the STOMP agenda within their practice, to reduce inappropriate prescribing and improving the quality of life for people with a learning disability.
Their work includes educating professionals about the effects of over-prescribing antipsychotic medication. They have provided training on how this can affect the working of the brain, the impact this might have on a person’s mood, thoughts and behaviour and how long-term use can also lead to weight gain, organ failure, eye problems, seizures, sedation and, in some cases, premature death.
Support is also given to carry out robust, structured medication reviews and reduce dosages, if it is safe to do so.
Sue, an advanced nurse practitioner, and Claire, a primary care liaison nurse, were also recently awarded highly commended at the 2024 Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards, shortlisted at the Nursing Times Awards and won The Outstanding Partner Award at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards.
Sue said: “This is the first year that learning disabilities was a category in the BJN Awards, so we were very happy and surprised to win. We accepted the award on behalf of all learning disability nurses and for people with a learning disability.
“Due to their health inequalities, people with a learning disability are more likely to die 20 years younger than the rest of the population. 49% of these deaths could be avoided with better access to healthcare, amongst this is quality medication reviews.
“This award recognises the work that we do and offers us a platform to share and spread good practice with a wide audience.”
The judges said: “Sue and Claire’s passion, enthusiasm and collaboration had made a meaningful difference to individuals, families and colleagues.
“Through working at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust they continue to drive positive change in learning disability care.”
A primary care network pharmacist has previously said: “Before STOMP input, I was very reluctant to reduce or discontinue medication for those who were settled and stable. However, following Sue and Claire’s input and support, I now understand this to be a very valuable process to address health needs and inequalities for people with a learning disability. The support has been amazing, and the assurances of longer support will be invaluable.”
Another said: “You have been very supportive and flexible, which has made the process run really smoothly. Finding a day for the reviews was challenging, but you were extremely accommodating and arrived well before the reviews to give the opportunity to review each patient’s record and make a loose plan beforehand. Not only were you really flexible with availability, but you were also fully on board with coming out to care homes and assisted living facilities with me. You have made it clear that you are still available if I need you in the future for queries and your support is greatly appreciated.”
Hundreds of people across County Durham and Teesside have so far undergone medication reviews as part of STOMP, with many now seeing positive changes in their lives due to dosage reductions.
British Journal of Nursing (BJN) provides all nurses, regardless of specialism, with a comprehensive resource that brings together nursing practice, education and leadership. Their awards take place annually.
