Axia CitizenConnect has won the Canadian Branham Award for top service launch of the year, with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) LearningZone. The RCN LearningZone is a developing service that supports high quality learning for busy nurses through a medium which is accessible to all.

The award recognises a new or significantly enhanced service that addresses a real market challenge and delivers clear value to customers.

The RCN LearningZone, developed by Axia CitizenConnect and its Canadian based parent company Axia NetMedia Corporation, was launched at RCN Congress earlier this year. Using leading edge technology, the Internet based application allows members to develop an electronic portfolio, gain access to nursing specific news, projects, clinical guidelines and career development opportunities as well as access to flexible, bite-sized chunks of learning. An online meeting place has also been incorporated into the application to create and support networks for the enhancement of personal and professional development.

"This is a fantastic achievement and reflects the close partnership, high quality skills and vision that the RCN and Axia CitizenConnect have brought to the project," said Professor Alison Kitson, Executive Director for Nursing at the RCN. "Learning and technology working together can now generate impressive results for the individual and for patients and this is just the start!"

The RCN is committed to providing its members with the support and mechanism for sustainable Continuous Professional Development and the work with Axia CitizenConnect involved RCN members at all stages of development.

On receiving the award, Steve Walker, Managing Director, Axia CitizenConnect said "We are obviously delighted that a product we have developed has won such a prestigious award, but what we feel is equally important is to be working with an organisation which is so committed to lifelong learning and its impact on patient care". Steve went on to say "We are extremely privileged to have formed a partnership with the Royal College of Nursing. May this award by the first of many!"