A DAISY Leader Award for Mara Tonks
The Director of Midwifery at Kettering General Hospital has received a DAISY Nurse Leader Award for her outstanding leadership and support for colleagues, particularly during the pandemic.
Mara Tonks was nominated for the award by a member of her team for the inspiring way she has worked in the unit for more than ten years in various leadership roles.
The DAISY Nurse Leader Award aims to shine a light on those who do not typically have direct patient care as part of their work but whose leadership efforts create an environment where compassionate, skilfull care thrives.
Part of her nomination reads:
“Mara is sadly leaving us after 10 years with us. During this time she has proven herself time and again to be a strong leader with a passion for midwifery and drive to make us the safest place to birth a baby.
“Mara has an enthusiasm for developing both the service and staff and has put faith in developing her existing staff.
“She has led us through some of the hardest years we have known. Those that were here during Covid will recall just how visible Mara was during this time and how she inspired and motivated staff.
“Those facebook updates we all waited for weekly on par with the PM’s national address.
“There has never been a time when Mara will ask anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself. Mara is held in such high regard I think those shoes will be very hard to fill.”
Mara received her award from consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Chief of the Family Health Division, Mrs Adeeba Nishtar, and Deputy Chief Nurse Pam Smith at her leaving event.
Next month she will become Director of Midwifery at the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire only a few minutes drive from her home.
Mrs Nishtar said: “I admire Mara’s leadership qualities so much. She has abilities that words cannot explain. She has inspired so many with her dedication and passion for midwifery and she will be a great loss to us.”
Mara said: “I have had the most amazing 10.5 years at KGH and I have loved it. The move helps me to be close to home and my family which is an increasingly important priority for me.
“I have worked with some of the most amazing people professionally and had outstanding support personally from my colleagues. I will miss every single one of you.”
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