Off-duty critical care nurse stops to help after multi-vehicle accident

An off-duty critical care nurse who helped people following a multi-vehicle car accident has been recognised for her outstanding compassion. Joanne Smith, Critical Care Outreach Nurse (pictured), was travelling to collect something one evening when she came across the scene of an accident and stopped to help. Joanne selflessly stayed to triage the people involved and call the emergency services, caring for the most severely injured until they were transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Ann Marie Heath, Outreach Senior Sister in Critical Care, said: “Joanne cared for and supported the family of the most severely injured person, which included transporting family members to their home and then onwards to the hospital. She stayed for a period of time with the family in the A&E department whilst the patient was being assessed and ensured that they were updated and supported. This all demonstrates Joanne’s professionalism, compassion and overwhelmingly caring nature. She really does put patients and their families are at the forefront of everything that we do.”

Joanne has been given the UHNM Hero award in recognition of her contribution to the patient and their family.