A Teesside health trust celebrated its nursing and midwifery workforce at a prestigious event to recognise and honour their incredible contributions.
Throughout the day, several accolades were awarded to staff from the nursing and midwifery workforce, who were nominated by patients and colleagues.
Staff nurse Jennifer Harris-Burland was crowned the Overall Winner of the Nightingale Awards.
She was nominated for going out of her way to check up on a patient who had missed an appointment. The individual had not been well and Jennifer was concerned about the patient.
After a busy shift, she went to the patient’s home and realised the individual was in a very poor condition. Jennifer instantly called an ambulance and the individual was later admitted to the hospital.
The nomination described her as ‘going the extra mile’ and an ‘inspiration who saved the patient’s life’.
Jennifer, who was shocked and delighted to receive the award, said:
I felt deeply honoured to accept it. It was a wonderful day, listening to all the stories and nominations. The kind words I've received since have been overwhelming.
“I’ve worked in OHPAT (outpatient and home-parenteral antibiotic) at the Friarage Hospital since its inception, helping it grow from a simple outpatient antibiotic service to one that now facilitates a variety of infusions, including biologics and iron.
“As a small team of four, we strive to offer the best service possible to our patients while supporting the teams responsible for their care.”
“I am so grateful to the IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) team for the nomination, which may be seen as going the extra mile, but to me, it was simply part of my job,” added Jennifer.
Group chief nurse Hilary Lloyd, who presented Jennifer with the Overall Winner Award, said: “The Nightingale Awards celebrated our fantastic nurses and midwives who go above and beyond.
There were so many wonderful stories of the exceptional work of our staff. Congratulations to everyone nominated as well as our wonderful winners.”
Other Nightingale Award Winners
Katie Jackson won the Student Nurse/Midwife Award for her hard work and commitment to patients.
Heather Lee from haematology was awarded the Health/ Maternity Care Assistant/ Assistant Practitioner Award for consistently showing great care and compassion to patients.
Annmarie Wilson, senior therapeutic support worker, scooped the Therapeutic Care Volunteer Award for her calmness and positivity in dealing with the diverse needs of our patients.
Jennifer Harris Burland, who was the overall winner of the Nightingale Awards, also took home the Staff Nurse/ Midwife/ ODP Award at the ceremony.
Jennifer Puckrin was the winner of the Sister/Charge Nurse Award for always going above and beyond her role. She was applauded for coming back from retirement to work on the ward – which was purely out of love for her job.
Jennifer Puckrin
Charlotte Goodsell, clinical nurse specialist, picked up the Senior Award for her introducing an effective service improvement plan which had a huge positive impact on patients.
The Children and young people surgical day unit and pre-assessment unit won the Team Award which recognises outstanding contributions.
Dawn Groves, who works as an assistant midwifery practitioner, was presented with the Mentor Award. She was nominated for providing the best care to women and their families and inspiring maternity support workers to complete their trainings.
Cpl Amy Kerman took home this year’s Military Award.
Libby Lee from maternity won the Midwifery Award. Not only did she provide excellent care and support to a pregnant woman, but also inspired her to be trained as a midwife.
Ellie Armstrong and Ellie Turley, who both work as neonatal nurses, were nominated for the Paediatric/Neonatal Award by a patient for going the extra mile and by making their wedding day even more special.
The management team from maternity won the Matron Award for creating the Snowdrop Suite, which provides a homely space where parents who have suffered baby loss can meet their baby and spend time making precious memories without feeling like they are in a hospital environment.
Pamela Fitzhugh was given the Exceptional Act of Kindness Award for her continuous efforts to go above and beyond for all the women she cares for within the maternity service.
Chelsea Scott, perioperative nurse practitioner, picked up the Advanced Practitioner Award for developing a staff wellbeing council.
The Hospital@Home team won the Friends of the Friarage Award. The newly developed service was celebrated for providing a range of services and care for frailer patients living at home in Hambleton and Richmondshire, covering 1000 square miles.
The heart failure specialist nurses/ heart failure team scooped the Patient Experience Award for going above and beyond their role in helping a patient get the best treatment.
Jane Crouchley, also from the heart failure team, won the Outstanding Contribution to Nursing, She was nominated as a thank you for her dedication of more than 35 years of service to her patients and staff.
