A Hywel Dda Health Board nurse, who helps Pembrokeshire children and young people at risk of self-harming, has been short-listed in the prestigious 'Oscars' of nursing for the second year running.

Sofia Wadman works across the West Wales region, to educate and support young people who are, or are at risk of, self-harming. She also works in the Youth Offending Team in Pembrokeshire as sexual and emotional health advisor.

She has been nominated in two categories of this year's Nursing Times Awards - Patient Pathway and Child Health - in recognition of the development of an integrated care pathway and staff training programme, called Scratching the Surface.

The project focused on training multi-agency staff from health, social care and education on how to deal with young people who self-harm and ensure appropriate and timely referrals onto specialist services when necessary.

Sofia explained: "Self-harm amongst children and young people is of major concern to the health service, local community and young people themselves. It is prevalent throughout the UK and rural counties such as ours are far from exempt. What we have developed locally is unique in Wales and is being investigated as a model for use elsewhere in the country.

"Ultimately, it is ensuring professionals from across a wide spectrum are trained to respond to episodes of self-harm in children and young people and therefore improving patient care. As a result of the project, attitudes are shifting to those of non-blame, non-alienating, non-stigmatising, compassion and understanding."

The Nursing Times awards recognise inspirational nursing, innovative practice and outstanding contributions in care. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 18.