Essex nurse wins national Hail Your Heroes Award
A Basildon Hospital nurse on the frontline has won The Sun’s Hail Your Heroes award after being nominated by her mother and father-in-law for her dedication during the COVID pandemic.
Rona Coronel, from Wickford, is a sister on Florence Nightingale respiratory ward, which was the designated COVID ward during the peak of the pandemic.
Her in-laws, Dave and Carol Lovell, praised Rona for going above and beyond for her patients and the NHS.
The couple told The Sun on Sunday: “We are so proud of Rona. On a daily basis, she was having to deal with many patients who had Coronavirus. Despite knowing the risks of her job, she just said that she was doing her bit - just like other frontline workers.”
Rona, who was surprised to hear she had won the award, and a £500 prize, said she’s proud she is making a positive impact to the lives of patients.
“I’m thankful to have just been nominated, but to win the award and prize money is amazing! It’s great to be appreciated for all the effort we’re putting in. I’m just one person in the NHS, but together I know we’re making a difference.
“Throughout the pandemic, I had to balance nursing and supporting my patients emotionally as they couldn’t have visitors. I was also there for junior nurses who are still learning on the go, but we’ve all been there for each other.”
Chief Nursing Officer, Diane Sarkar, said: “I am delighted that this award is going to a one of our dedicated nurses who is serving on the frontline.
“Rona, like all of our nursing staff, continues to be patient-focused and support her colleagues throughout what continues to be a challenging time. Thank you, and well done Rona.”