Ediscyll Lorusso arrived in the UK from the Philippines when she was 21 as a newly registered NMC nurse (nursery and midwifery regulator).

Since joining Tooting’s St Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a staff nurse in 2000, Ediscyll has been a “passionate advocate” for thrombosis prevention.

Now, Ediscyll has been named as a finalist for ‘Our Health Heroes lifetime contribution to healthcare’ award at 44-years old.

The winner for the Our Health Heroes lifetime contribution award will be announced at a ceremony in London Science Museum March 24.

Ediscyll has been said to organise regular campaigns, study days, teachings sessions and other initiatives for staff and the community.

Her work has led to the trust being awarded as one of the exemplar sites for Venous ThromboEmbolism (VTE) prevention in the houses of parliament.

Ediscyll was 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.

In 2012, Ediscyll helped launch ‘Joint Thrombosis Nurse and Midwife clinic’ and she has presented her work to healthcare professionals and policymakers across the world – including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

Ediscyll Lorusso said: “I love working as a nurse and knowing that I make a positive difference in my patients’ lives gives me great job satisfaction and a huge sense of achievement.

“As an overseas nurse at the age of 44, to be in the running for the national lifetime achievement award for the Our Health Heroes award is such a huge honour.

“I would like to extend my indebtedness appreciation to my past and present colleagues who took the time to make this nomination.

“I am deeply humbled to represent all the extraordinary, hardworking, and selfless nurses all over the world who work intensely every day and especially during the pandemic. “This is a collective success for all of us.”

Aside from being a full-time nurse and a mum to two young children, Ediscyll volunteers for various Black Asian and Minority Ethnic 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.

Ediscyll also actively works within the community, by visiting schools to inspire and educate young children to enter the nursing profession.

Robert Bleasdale, Chief Nurse at St George’s University Hospitals Trust, said: “Among the many thousands of nurses nationwide with incredible achievements, Ediscyll’s achievements really do stand out.

“Ediscyll 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, Ediscyll 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.”

The Skills for Health Our Health Heroes lifetime contribution awards is sponsored by NHS Employers.

You can vote for Ediscyll Lorusso here: https://skillsforhealth.org.uk/about-us/our-health-heroes/outstanding-lifetime-contribution-to-healthcare-finalists/