Extra recognition for caring on International Nurses Day
CARERS, nurses, student nurses and midwives across the island have been recognised for their outstanding contributions.
The Carer, Nurse, Student Nurse and Midwife of the Year Awards 2019 took place on International Nurses Day.
Chief nurse at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Professor Juliet Beal said the awards were a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work health and social care workers do every day.
‘This is the fourth year the States’ Health & Social Care has run these awards,’ she said.
‘Every day our carers, nurses, student nurses and midwives go the extra mile to care for their patients and service users.
‘The winners of this year’s awards demonstrate an outstanding contribution to nursing and midwifery in the Bailiwick, living the values of our Care Values Framework.’
Viv Torode is this year’s Carer of the Year, described by colleagues as having unconditional respect for service users, as well as maintaining excellent professional boundaries.
A service user also said she was fantastic and brilliant and that she had made a real difference to their life, all while bringing a smile to their face.
Nurse of the Year went jointly to Jo Bentley and Geraldine Chelmick, who said she was very humbled by the win.
‘It’s a great feeling to have been nominated, so to win means it is nice to be recognised,’ she said.
‘We’re here to look after people, so to be acknowledged for that is lovely.
‘I’ve been doing this for 35 years and I really am passionate and enthusiastic about my job.
‘Myself and Jo will put our certificate up on the wall of our ward, Brock Ward, to show our patients just how great our nurses are.
‘Then my award itself will be my pride and joy at home.’
Winner of this year’s Student Nurse Award, Ruby Harrild-Dunbar, was pleased and surprised.
‘I’m so pleased to have won and really honoured – my mum will make me put it in the front room.’
Midwife of the Year Shelly Blake, who works within bereavement supporting families who have lost a baby, was described as going the extra mile for anyone.
She said she was shocked but really touched.
‘It’s nice to have won – we do this work because we love it. I am really touched.’
Sue Sloan was also recognised during the ceremony for her outstanding contribution to nursing.
Winners received a certificate as well as a glass trophy to take home.
