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Two amazing nurses and a midwife from Kettering General Hospital have received DAISY Awards for the outstanding, compassionate, and sensitive care they have given to patients.

 

In October last year KGH started to take part in the DAISY Award – an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the exceptional care that many nurses and midwives provide every day.

 

As a result patients, family members and carers have nominated 163 staff members for the award after receiving great care.

 

The three staff who received the award today (Wednesday May 5) are Medical SDEC Planned Care Staff Nurse, Lara Pilgrim, ICU nurse Nattalie Smith, and Delivery Suite Midwife, Melissa Gurr.

 

Lara was nominated by a patient with a multi-focal motor neuropathy – a rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves and causes progressive muscle weakness.

The patient now receives treatment in the Medical SDEC every six weeks using intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg), a preparation of antibodies obtained from healthy volunteers.

Her nominee, David Scholefield, from: Corby wrote:

 

“It’s been a very worrying time for me as the condition is life changing. The care and attention I have received from Lara is second to none. She always goes that extra yard to make me feel relaxed, and it’s so obvious she has my health and well-being uppermost in her mind. I have had numerous lows along my journey, but Lara has been there for me, supporting me every step of the way. I can’t express how grateful I am for all she has done for me and continues to do so. It helps to take away the worry and stress knowing I am in her very caring and capable hands when I come for my treatment. She truly is a credit to the nursing profession.”

 

ICU Nurse Nattalie Smith was nominated by the wife of a patient who spent eight weeks in the KGH’s Intensive Care Unit with pneumonia. Sue Harris from Corby wrote:

 

“Nattalie was an amazing caring nurse, not only for my husband, but to me and our three grandchildren who live with us. She would tell me how it was with my husband on the darkest days and nights when he was really poorly - and always said she was there for me. Since my husband has been home I have been struggling with flashbacks with him in his comas and Nattalie has put me in touch with a lovely group to help me though it all. I can't thank Nattalie enough and she so deserves this nomination.”

 

Delivery Suite Midwife, Melissa Gurr, helped a family with a miscarriage where they lost their baby in the middle three months of pregnancy.

 

Her nominees, Zoe Quail and Richard Tester, from Raunds wrote:

 

“Melissa was calm, professional and just such a friendly face (even behind a mask) that we both needed at the time. Melissa explained things so well that we were able to gather our thoughts and process what was going on. It’s like she read our personalities right from the start and just got through to us straight away. It made such a bad situation manageable and helped us get through that day. We will forever be grateful and remember Melissa and we truly hope that one day our paths will cross again for a brighter reason. There is not enough thank yous in the world that could make up for what she did that day but we hope this Daisy award will show how much of an amazing lady she really is.”

 

The winners were all presented today (Wednesday, May 5) with a DAISY award certificate, award pin badge and “Healer’s Touch” sculpture by Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality Di Postle, Group Chief Executive, Simon Weldon, and Director of Nursing and Quality Leanne Hackshall.

 

Kettering General Hospital’s Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality, Diane Postle, who is overseeing the initiative, said: “I am delighted to be able to announce three more winners of the DAISY Award scheme at Kettering General Hospital.

 

“Reading the nominations reminds us all of the importance of supporting both individuals and families during difficult times.

 

“Lara, Nattalie and Melissa’s nominations demonstrate the outstanding care they delivered to their patients.

 

“I want to thank all of the patients and their families and carers who have taken the time and trouble to nominate our staff members for these new awards.

 

“They highlight some of the amazing work that goes on at the hospital every day. Please keep the nominations coming!”

 

To nominate a nurse or midwife go to the KGH website www.kgh.nhs.uk or follow the link https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/the-daisy-award or email your nomination to  kgh-tr.daisyaward@nhs.net