This issue of The Endocrinologist brings the exciting announcement of the winner of the second Endocrine Nurse Award. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Janet Lewis. As we heard in issue 117 (Autumn 2015), Janet worked hard campaigning, in collaboration with patients with neuroendocrine tumours, for equitable care in Wales. The achievement of this award demonstrates the impact that collaborating with patient support groups can have. I look forward to hearing how Janet achieved this at the Endocrine Nurse Update 2018, on 16–17 April in Birmingham.

Our other article also demonstrates the importance of patient support groups, not just when a person is diagnosed, but also through the continuing support it can offer. I thank David Lynam for his article, which describes the benefits of joining a support group, as well as the importance of healthcare professionals signposting patients to support groups at diagnosis. Healthcare professionals have a reciprocal relationship with these networks, and much can be learnt from one another, as David explains.

I am proud to announce that, for the first time in the history of the Society for Endocrinology Nurse Committee, from January 2018 we will have representation from all countries of the UK: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This is a great opportunity to ensure that we reach out to all endocrine nurses in order to support and represent them.

Please continue to send us your comments and suggestions for content for The Endocrinologist and for nurse conference programmes, as well as anything else you would like to share. I thank all the endocrine nurses out there for their continued hard work and commitment to patients with endocrine disorders, and hope that you have time to enjoy the festive period.

Best wishes

Lisa Shepherd, Nurse Committee Chair