“Inspirational” nurse praised for care of patients and colleagues

Nurse Kerry Mayer has been praised by colleagues for her inspirational and caring nature. Kerry works as a senior quality staff nurse on respiratory ward 222 at Royal Stoke University Hospital and has been given the Employee of the Month award. Kerry was nominated by her colleague Claire Rawlings, who is starting training to be a children’s nurse in September after having gained confidence working alongside Kerry.

Claire said: “Kerry is an inspirational nurse. On a daily basis she goes the extra mile for patients, setting up zoom calls, updating relatives and sitting at patient bedsides just to give them company. Not only does she look after patients, she looks after staff too. Because of Covid the team on the ward are often exhausted and the mood can be low, but Kerry does her upmost to lift us in any way she can, whether it’s a private chat in her office, texts in the evening, or just her presence on the ward. She is loved by all staff because of her loving, caring nature.

“Kerry has inspired me to become a nurse and I can only hope that I am as good as her one day. She is a true credit to the NHS.”

Mark Oldham, Chief Financial Officer, presented Kerry with her Employee of the Month certificate.

Mark said: “We talk a lot about the need for kindness and compassion and Kerry is a living example of these qualities. When I read the nomination it really touched me. To be recognised by a colleague is the best thing, but we really want to express our appreciation for Kerry’s work too and it’s my privilege to present her with this award.”

Kerry said: “We’re a very close knit family on ward 222. We take pride in our work and we all pull together. I’m really proud to have this award and to be thought of well by a colleague makes it especially lovely. To know you’ve had an impact on someone is amazing.”