Inspirational nursing and midwifery heroes across Teesside have been honoured at a prestigious event for their outstanding contributions to patient care.
During a special ceremony at Teesside University, nursing and midwifery staff across South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were presented with special Nightingale accolades, nominated by patients and colleagues.
The team based at The James Cook University Hospital were recognised for working ceaselessly and tirelessly under extreme conditions, 24 hours a day, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their patients and colleagues.
They were praised for supporting patients and families who have suffered trauma and life-changing injuries or been diagnosed with life-limiting diseases with endurance and compassion.
The nomination said:
“Every single member of the team delivers the NHS nursing values on a daily basis.
They give their best to every single patient and always prioritise others above themselves. The compassion shown to their patients, even at the most frightening times of their lives is heart-warming to experience and their professionalism is to be admired.”
Natalie Cockfield is the clinical matron for the emergency department.
She said: “Winning this award highlights not only the clinical expertise within the department, but also the deep sense of purpose and passion that drives the team forward.
“It is a reflection of the unwavering spirit and professionalism of our emergency department staff, their ability to consistently provide high-quality care in the most demanding circumstances is truly inspiring, and I am overwhelmed to see their efforts recognised at this level.”
Celebrating our nursing and midwifery workforce
The trust’s Nightingale Awards are now in their 21st year.
The annual event recognises the hard work and dedication of nursing and midwifery staff working at The James Cook University Hospital, the Friarage Hospital and local community hospitals and health services.
This year, community staff nurse, Lesley Willans picked up the overall Staff Nurse Award. She was nominated for influencing a culture of excellence and compassion and for always going above and beyond her call of duty for her patients.
Haematology nurse, Lindy Defoe collected the Specialist Nurse Award for her commitment and compassion to improving knowledge and patient care for both adult and paediatric patients with sickle cell disease.
Charge nurse, Daniel Vijayaraj received this year’s Sister/Charge Nurse Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to patient care and his exemplary leadership in the oncology department.
Leading the way for healthcare support workers was Elizabeth Smith who picked up the Support Worker Award.
She was nominated for remaining calm and collected and pre-empting all aspects of care, when a patient experienced an unexpected seizure which resulted in a respiratory arrest. Her quick-thinking meant a positive outcome was achieved for the patient.
The Advanced Practice Award went to sister, Louise Pearson who was nominated by a patient’s family who thanked her for granting their father’s last wish.
Sarah Clarkson won the Inspirational Award after convincing a frightened patient with Hodgkins disease that his life was worth living and to undergo a bone marrow transplant.
Kathryn Lomas won this year’s Assessor Award for showing compassion and commitment whilst guiding one of her students through their training.
The Leadership Award went to Clare Welford for consistently providing deeply personalised care to hundreds of children.
Whilst the Paediatric Award went to the children and young people’s emergency department for their unwavering resilience and compassion.
Amanda Bain won the Midwifery Award for always making time for her patients and for being a credit to her team.
Her nomination said: “I am genuinely not sure how I would have got through if it wasn’t for Mandy.”
Amongst the other winners on the day were ‘ray of sunshine’ Sarah Williams who picked up the Student Award, ‘breath of fresh air’ Clare Hood who received the Volunteer Award and Roseanna Hazlett who picked up this year’s Military Award for her ‘unwavering dedication and kindness.’
The Friends of the Friarage Award went to the Friarage maternity team for fundraising over £4,000 to improve maternity services and the Matrons Award went to Ward 31 for creating a space especially for continuous flow patients.
The overall Team Award was awarded to cardiac rhythm management who were commended for leading by example in the care of patients presenting with Syncope/Blackouts.
And finally, this year’s Patient Experience Award went to Jennifer Hooley.
She was nominated by a patient who commended her support through one of the most difficult times of her life.
She said:
Jen handled everything from my delivery to the moment I left the hospital, so that I wouldn’t have to. She was the reason I got through my stillbirth and why I’m still here to this day."