AN EAST Lothian healthcare team is in the running for a top accolade.

NHS Lothian’s Care When It Counts (CWIC) team, based in Musselburgh and Cockenzie, has been shortlisted for a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Learning in Practice Award.

An NHS Lothian spokesperson said: “The CWIC service was set up as an alternative way to meet the health and care needs of the community of East Lothian, reducing waiting lists, improving accessibility and demonstrating alternatives in primary care to the traditional general practice model.

“CWIC is available to patients contacting their general practice for a same-day primary care appointment.

“The service is made up of a multi-disciplinary team of nurse practitioners, advanced nurse practitioners, physician associates and GPs, and is based in Musselburgh Primary Care Centre and in Cockenzie Health Centre, available to people registered with Riverside, Inveresk, Tranent and Harbours practices.”

They added: “The key to the success of this initiative has been the ongoing training available to staff.

“This gives team members the ability to develop their skills and knowledge whilst delivering quality care for patients.”

The training has led to the team being recognised for RCN’s Learning in Practice Award.

The annual RCN awards are set up to shine a spotlight on the best of nursing.

Lorraine Cowan, chief nurse of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are delighted the CWIC service has been selected as finalists for the Learning in Practice Award.

“It recognises the commitment by the team to bring together their individual clinical knowledge and expertise to create a service where team members develop and learn from each other to continuously provide high standards of care.”

Vivienne Wilson, senior research nurse, has also been shortlisted for the Inspiring Excellence – Nursing Innovation and Research Award. Melissa Rowlands, dementia ANP, is a finalist for the Mental Health Nursing Award.

Winners of the RCN awards will be announced at a ceremony on June 21 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.