A dedicated member of the nursing team at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital has been recognised for her outstanding compassion and care, after receiving heartfelt feedback from a grateful patient.
Clare Lewis, Student Nurse Associate, has been awarded a prestigious Cavell Star Award – a national awards initiative that celebrates nurses, midwives and healthcare support workers who go above and beyond for their colleagues and patients.
She was put forward for a Cavell Star Award after patient Sangram Singh, a PTSD sufferer who had knee surgery at the Oswestry-based hospital last year, who suffers with PTSD, shared his emotional experience of being supported by Clare through his care at a recent Board of Directors meeting.
Clare has worked at RJAH for three years and hopes to remain at the Trust on completion of her studies in September.
On winning the award, she said: “I was completely overwhelmed. It came as a complete shock.
“For it to be on the back of some kind words from a patient was wonderful. I don’t think I did anything special – it’s something we do for all patients, and it is no more than the care they should receive. It is lovely to be recognised for what we do.”
She was presented her award by Sam Young, Interim Chief Nursing and Patient Safety Officer, and Dr Ruth Longfellow, Chief Medical Officer.
Sam said: “The words from Mr Singh highlighted Clare’s kindness and professionalism, providing the reassurance and support he needed during a difficult time. She instinctively knew what was needed to help ease his fears, all while showing remarkable empathy and dedication.
“Clare is a shining example of the commitment our nursing teams show daily, ensuring patients feel safe, supported and valued.
“This recognition is a testament to the difference she makes daily to our patients, and we are incredibly proud to have her as part of our team.”
The Cavell Star Awards, run by the charity Cavell, recognise exceptional nursing and midwifery professionals across the UK.
Lewis Allett, Chief Executive at Cavell, said: “We know there are nursing and midwifery professionals up and down the country who show exceptional care every day, often in very difficult circumstances. You can say a big ‘thank you’ to your colleagues by giving them a Cavell Star Award!
“The Cavell support team is here for nurses, midwives and nursing associates when they’re in a crisis, so we are really excited that the Cavell Star Awards are proving so successful at boosting morale for teams working extremely hard in very challenging situations.”
