During a special ceremony at Teesside University, Jenna Lawler was named overall winner of the Nightingales for her exemplary nursing care.
She said: “I’m overwhelmed at receiving such a prestigious award, it’s an honour, it still feels indescribable.
The Nightingale Award presentation was overfilled with inspiration, compassion and celebrations of outstanding nursing care. Being part of the day was lovely but to get the sister and overall Nightingale Award was amazing.
“I’m passionate about neonatal care, helping to improve and sustain high levels of care for our babies and families are what it is about.
“The whole team do amazing things daily, supporting families through one of the most traumatic periods they will probably ever face and caring for tiny little people with such compassion.
“I love my job, every aspect, the happy and the sad.”
Following the ceremony, the trust’s clinical director for neonatology Lynne Paterson said: “We were delighted to ‘crown’ Jenna our Nightingale Nurse at our annual ceremony.
“Jenna had several nominations which spoke to her wonderful nursing care, her work increasing breastfeeding on the neonatal unit and moving towards UNICEF, Baby Friendly Accreditation and her passion when caring for families. She is a worthy winner of this prestigious award.
We were spoilt with many nominations for our staff, and everyone nominated should feel immense pride in their achievement. You are what makes South Tees NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust an amazing place to receive care and to work.”
Other Nightingale Award Winners
Melissa Mullins was winner of the Staff Nurse Award for her commitment to improving palliative care.
Marie Presgrave picked up the Senior Award for playing an instrumental part in changing the way young people with diabetes are cared for in the region.
Ward 36 at The James Cook University Hospital took the Learning Environment Award for providing student nurses with support and encouragement.
Cheryl Honeyman, specialist nurse in paediatric spine and pectus disorders, took the Paediatric Award was nominated by several families for the loving care she provides her patients.
Afshan Ali was winner of the Midwifery Award for the dedication and passion she shows mums throughout their labour. Her nomination described her as caring, encouraging and supportive.
Major Katie Hildred who picked up the Military Award was nominated for her can do attitude and positive leadership.
Jo Hewson was awarded the Student Award for the compassion and care she displayed when she was on placement within the community.
Alexandra Blair took the Mentor Award for her impeccable teaching skills and general nursing skills. Her nomination said she was an ‘inspirational nurse for future student nurses to look up to and follow her example’.
Karen Robinson, who has been an HCA on ward 35 at James Cook Hospital for over 40 years, was given the Healthcare Assistant Award.
Phil Wray won the Therapeutic Care Volunteers Award. Alongside his job, Phil attends James Cook’s renal department each week to provide support, assistance and a friendly face to welcome patients and visitors into the department.
James Cook’s ICU2 won the Team Award which recognises outstanding contributions.
Ward 36 and ward 25 at James Cook were both awarded the Matron Award for their dedication to providing exceptional nutrition and hydration practice for the trust’s patients.
Andy finally, the Exceptional Act of Kindness Award was presented to hospital chaplain Lisa Opala.
Her nomination said: “Lisa’s ability to make someone feel like the most important person in the world is remarkable, she is so dedicated to making people feel listened to and to feel safe around her.”
The organisation of this year’s award ceremony was led by Lynne Paterson, clinical director for neonatology, nurse consultants Jayne Mudd and Sarah Callaghan and administrator Suzanne Ashburner.