Staff nurse awarded prestigious Daisy Award
A staff nurse from University Hospitals of North Midlands has been awarded a prestigious award after a patient and her family praised her for honesty and compassion during her time in hospital.
Claire Prentice, staff nurse on ward 230, the gastroenterology ward at Royal Stoke University Hospital was nominated for the Daisy Award which is awarded to extraordinary nurses for recognising their exemplary compassionate care that they provide to patients and families every day.
Patient Jemima Gallimore, 18, was treated at UHNM for four months, with a personality and eating disorder. Following what she described as outstanding care, she nominated Claire for the Daisy Award.
Jemima’s mum, Rebecca said: “When Jemima was in hospital she was in a very difficult place, both mentally and physically. The support that Claire provided to Jemima was absolutely outstanding.
“She not only supported Jemima but also encouraged her during her four month hospital stay. She always listened to what Jemima had to say or what was worrying her and she would provide her with an honest response and with reassurance. Jemima felt that she could turn to Claire when she was struggling with her illness and could be open and honest.
“She is now able to receive treatment outside of hospital and I would just like to say thank you to Claire and the wider team for providing such care and compassion.”
Claire said: “I am overwhelmed that Jemima has nominated me for this award. When Jemima was on the ward I listened to her concerns and ensured she always had someone to talk to. I am proud of myself and the team that we have been able to make such a difference to Jemima and her family.”
UHNM Chief Nurse, Ann-Marie Riley said: “I was incredibly proud to present Claire with her Daisy Award. Her nomination highlighted how her fantastic care had positively impacted the well-being of one of her patients. She advocates for patients best interest and clearly they are at the heart of everything she does. It was an absolute pleasure to recognise the wonderful care she delivered.”
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in the USA, in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) which is an auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and their families. The Daisy Award has been adopted by healthcare facilities around the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion.
