The ceremony on 12 May, Florence Nightingale's birthday, began
with the launch of a new Trust film, 'We Are Proud to Care', which
takes viewers through a 24 hour period in the life of staff from a
range of disciplines and services. Those present were then
enthralled by Bonita Norris's recount of her journey from novice
climber to become the youngest British woman to reach the summit of
Mount Everest at the age of 22 from May 2010 until May 2012. Bonita
then went on to present to the winners of the Trust's Nursing and
Midwifery Awards.
The winners of this year's Acute Medical Nursing or Midwifery
Nursing Team Award are the Acute Medical Unit Nursing Team. This
past year they have had ward moves and changes in leadership, but
continue to perform to a very high standard, providing excellent
care for their patients.
Elizabeth Brookes, a nursing assistant, won the Special
Recognition Award for keeping calm and in control when a
challenging situation arose.Bethany Crabb, a staff nurse at the
Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, received the Above &
Beyond Award for her dedication to sharing her knowledge and
experience with her team, particularly new starters. She takes time
to support and assist any student or newly qualified nurse, as well
as develop fresh ideas and help create a better environment for
patients and staff.
The Rising Star Award was given to Imogen O'Toole, who qualified
as a registered nurse working in Older Person Care in February 2015
and was promoted to a senior staff position by September 2015,
displaying integrity and enthusiasm in her work.
Nursing Assistant of the Year, Zuwane Thomas, is a valuable
asset to the outpatient team and has worked within the Trust for
nine years. Caring, compassionate, professional and knowledgeable,
she is always willing to support her team.
Helen Simmons' ability to respond to difficult situations in a
surgical theatre is one of the traits which has made her Registered
Nurse of the Year. She responds with kindness and consideration,
always putting the patient ahead of herself and acting above the
call of duty for the wellbeing of children.
As deputy head of nursing for the Division of Medicine, Helen
Bishop has seen her division undergo many ward and staff changes,
but has remained strong and committed with unrelenting focus. She
was named Inspirational Leader of the Year for her work on the
project to move medical patients from some of the oldest ward
accommodation within the Trust to some of the newest. She made sure
all the small details were considered by engaging with staff and
patients at every step. It is thanks to Helen's leadership that
almost every patient in the Division of Medicine is now cared for
in a better environment.
The ceremony was supported by Above & Beyond. Sarah
Talbot-Williams, chief executive of the charity, said:
"It's very special to read through the nominations every year
and also to see the exciting projects put forward for the
scholarships that are being awarded.
"At Above & Beyond, we are all very proud to sponsor the
Nursing and Midwifery Awards in recognition of such inspirational
people who endlessly strive to affect change and improve services
and facilities."
Carolyn Mills, chief nurse for University Hospitals Bristol,
said:
"Nurses' Day is the chance for me to say thank you to all the
nurses and midwives for the work that they do to make nursing at
our Trust, so truly great - I couldn't be more proud to lead this
amazing group of staff.""International Nurses' Day is an occasion
to acknowledge the work of nurses in UH Bristol and around the
world who every day go the extra mile for their patients.
"The nominees and winners are individuals and teams who
have been recognised for their contribution to delivering
outstanding care to patients and their families, delivering
initiatives that improve outcomes and for providing strong
professional leadership for nurses and nursing. These awards
recognise excellence and also raise the profile and understanding
of how nursing is at the centre of all patient care."
