Chief Nurse's Award for Excellence

‘Always made to feel like a friend’

Kate is a Nurse Specialist in the Stoma Care Team at QMC and has recently received a long service award for 30 years at the NHS.

A stoma is needed when the usual surgical surgery procedure for the treatment of bowel cancer (when the affected section of bowel is removed and the ends of the bowel are then joined together) is not possible. In these cases the end of the bowel is brought through the abdomen to form a new outlet. One patient is very grateful to have had Kate with her every step of the way through what is undoubtedly a difficult experience.

Clare Mee said: “Kate has always been there for me when I had a difficult stoma surgery. She is a very competent and knowledgeable stoma nurse and I feel that her empathy towards her patients singles her out as a superb nurse.

“She will always return calls promptly and her kind manner means that you never feel like you are a nuisance and that no problem is too small. I am always made to feel like a friend and that I am the only patient that matters. Stoma nurses are under acknowledged as a vital role in patient care, I wouldn’t have got through such a difficult time without Kate. I had to have a feeding tube placed and only managed it because Kate stayed with me to support me.

“She is amazing and truly deserves to win this award.”

Vote for Kate as Chief Nurse's Award for Excellence winner here.

Please note, you can only vote once in each category - and there's only one opportunity to vote in the NAMY Awards, so pick your finalists carefully!

‘Has courage and inspires me to grow’

Lesley is part of the leadership team in the Family Health Division of NUH, which covers the Children’s Hospital and the other paediatric wards and services.

Colleague Joanne Cooper cannot speak highly enough of the work and inspirational leadership Lesley demonstrates on a daily basis. It seems that wherever she goes, Lesley leaves a lasting legacy.

Joanne said: “Lesley is a truly outstanding leader who is a passionate advocate for the nursing profession.

“She is a transformational leader who has courage and inspires me to grow, to always look for solutions and is known for being someone on whom staff can rely to safeguard the well-being of patients, families and staff.  Lesley made a significant change during her time within the Cancer Associated Speciality Division, making it a 'magnetic' place to be and one that is pushing the boundaries of shared governance, education and clinical academic careers.  Lesley continues to share this passion and commitment within her new role within the Children's Hospital and epitomises to me what an excellent leader can achieve. 

“Her current and future legacy for the profession will only be further recognised I'm sure. Thank you Lesley for all that you do.”

Vote for Lesley as Chief Nurse's Award for Excellence winner here.

Please note, you can only vote once in each category - and there's only one opportunity to vote in the NAMY Awards, so pick your finalists carefully!

‘A credit to NUH and research’

Sarah is a Senior Research Nurse in the Renal Department of City Hospital and has left her mark on members of her team.

Colleague Denise Vardy said: “Sarah always goes over and above on everything and always has a smile and hardly ever says no.  She is a credit to NUH and research.”

Another colleague said: “Sarah is my manager but more than that, she is the person I look up to the most at work. She will visit patients in their homes in her own time whenever required, just to make the research projects easier for them.”

Sarah is taking part in the 70 at 70 project as well as running the many other research projects, where she has managed to maintain some of the highest participation rates. Her colleague added: “We were recently awarded Research Team of the Year in the Research Excellence Awards and this is mainly due to the hard work that Sarah puts in.

“She is such a supportive manager and wants nothing more than for her team to excel in all aspects of their work life. She encourages us to better ourselves through learning and has helped numerous members of staff to go on to university qualifications.

“Sarah has the best work ethic of any person I know and I believe she would be ideal for this award. She would never agree because she is so modest but she is a fantastic nurse.

“I feel very lucky to have Sarah as my manager, and friend.”

Vote for Sarah as Chief Nurse's Award for Excellence winner here.

Please note, you can only vote once in each category - and there's only one opportunity to vote in the NAMY Awards, so pick your finalists carefully!

‘A role model to all’

Aquiline is an Ambulatory Care Pathway Matron at City Hospital as well as being the Chair of the BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Shared Governance Council, while also representing the Trust locally and nationally in the NHS 70 70 research programme.  Aquiline’s many hats means she’s become an influential voice to many colleagues, as well as an advocate for her patients.

Her nominator said: “Aquiline Chivinge is a role model to all and most especially the BAME Staff within NUH. She has gone above and beyond for both patients and colleagues and she does that with great humility.”

Like the best leaders, Aquiline not only working to make life easier for her patients, but making sure her colleagues and visitors are happy is just as important. Her nominator added: “Within the Ambulatory Care Pathway Aquiline has ensured patients receive the best evidence based care as well as making sure the leaking roof gets fixed and carpets are replaced.

“As chair of the BAME Shared Governance Council Aquiline has contributed a lot towards a great patient outcome and she’s involved with recruiting BAME patients for research purposes

“Aquiline is very caring and professional.”

Vote for Aquiline as Chief Nurse's Award for Excellence winner here.

Please note, you can only vote once in each category - and there's only one opportunity to vote in the NAMY Awards, so pick your finalists carefully!