Caroline Dowsett, of East London NHS Foundation Trust, has won an Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Healthcare award at the Skills for Health Our Health Heroes Awards 2025.
Caroline began her nursing career in 1980 and has since led work in community nursing, particularly in wound care and leg ulcer management. Identifying a gap in specialist care in her local area, she established the first nurse-led venous leg ulcer (VLU) service and a dedicated tissue viability service for the residents of Newham. These initiatives helped improve patient outcomes and quality of life for people dealing with the conditions.
At the time, patients with venous leg ulcers often endured months of discomfort from wet, leaking legs, which frequently led to social isolation, low mood, and depression. In 1996, Caroline successfully lobbied the Royal College of Nursing to campaign for the inclusion of four-layer compression bandages on the FP10 prescription list, a turning point in VLU treatment. Compression therapy is now widely prescribed and considered the gold standard for managing the condition.
Now, nearly 30 years later, Caroline continues to contribute to the profession. She regularly shares her expertise through national and international publications and presentations.
Upon receiving the award held at a glittering awards ceremony in Westminster, Caroline said:
“It’s a privilege to have been able to help shape services that have improved care for so many. I’ve always believed that listening to patients and understanding their lived experiences is key to making real change.”
Supported by NHS England, NHS Employers, NHS Shared Business Services, NHS Race & Health Observatory, SFJ Awards and Integrated Care Journal, Skills for Health’s Our Health Heroes recognises and honours the hard work carried out daily by thousands of staff across the UK. To find out more visit: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/awards