Nurses receive awards for compassionate care
Patients, families and staff are getting the best possible support thanks to two nurses, in two very different departments at Southend Hospital, who have been recognised for the compassion they give.
Deborah McCluskey, Clinical Nurse Specialist for human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), has been recognised for delivering special care packages to her patients to ensure they have basic supplies whilst staying in hospital.
Nominator Laura Hilton, HIV Nurse Consultant, said: “Patients know they can rely on Deborah in their darkest days and always feel valued and important in her care.
“Not only does she provide care for patients, but she also looks out for her colleagues and is extremely kind and empathetic. Deborah shows compassion to everyone.”
On receiving the award, Deborah praised her team, she said: “Everyone in the team deserved it, we all do the same thing!”
Whilst Southbourne Ward Staff Nurse, Nelly Nyamayaro, was given her award for the empathy and kindness she shows to those with learning disabilities.
When one of her patients passed away suddenly, Nelly had to break the sad news to the patient’s son, who has a learning disability.
Paula Pearl, Learning Disability Nurse, who nominated Nelly, said: “Knowing this would be a sensitive task, Nelly sought out help from the disability nurses to make sure the patient’s son was not alone when he heard the heart-breaking news, receiving emotional support at a very distressing time.
“Nelly continues to be a thoughtful, excellent and respectful advocate for people with learning disabilities on the ward.”
As a result of Nelly’s actions, Southbourne Ward received two thank you emails, one from the Community Learning Disability Social Worker and the second from the befriender that had supported the son.
Nelly said she was ‘chuffed’ to get the award. “Initially I was surprised!” she laughed. “I wasn’t expecting it, as when you are just doing your job you don’t really expect much – it’s just what you have to do. But I am really pleased – I’m chuffed!”
Both Nelly and Deborah have won this month’s Values Award which honour teams and individuals showcasing the Trust’s values of being Excellent, Compassionate and Respectful.