Meet the 2024/2025 DAISY Award winners

Ashe was my community midwife at Knebworth, this was my first baby. I already suffer with severe anxiety, PTSD and do not do well with strangers.  Ashe took her time with me, constantly checking I was okay and that I understood everything that was going to happen.  Without Ashe’s constant reassurance I’m 100% sure I’d have been a total mess for the whole 9 months.

I was due to have a c-section on the Friday, but he decided to come the night before, Ashe got to me as soon as she could be there. And to see her face once I was in recovery was THE biggest relief ever.  So many faces I didn’t know, so many staff members asking me questions, although all lovely people, I had never met them, and didn’t feel comfortable amongst them.  I was then taken up to the maternity ward where I stayed for 3 nights and Ashe continued to show up on her shifts to keep an eye on me and reassure me that I am okay!  I got to go home…. I was home one hour before my baby started having what they thought was epileptic seizures, back to hospital I went.

We were in for weeks on Bluebell Ward whilst they tried to figure out what was wrong with my baby.  Ashe again, was there as much as she could be.  Checking on me, checking on my baby, and being the absolute rock that I needed.  So if there is anyone that is an absolute credit to our NHS and that goes beyond her duty it’s Ashe.  She has had that much of an impact on me, that I am now changing my career to try and study midwifery.  Because if I can make a change to just one person like she did for me, then I have succeeded in life.

Ashe made my pregnancy, birth, after birth and continued care a safe space, and I cannot thank her enough.

Nurse Louise has looked after me twice on the Short Stay Unit. The first time she looked after me was last March when she was heavily pregnant. Despite this, she worked endlessly to make sure I was comfortable during my stay on the unit. I was only 16 and it was very scary for me getting so sick and staying in an adult ward for the first time.

Nurse Louise made sure my mum had a bed so she could stay with me, which made me much more comfortable and at ease. She also sat with me when my mum went to the cafe and the shops to get things we needed, and brought me hot chocolates to cheer me up. She was kind, compassionate and gentle. She looked after me with genuine care and treated me like a person instead of just “bed 1”. She also asked me about school and my interests which helped bring some normality into my stay on the unit, and I believe this aided my recovery.

Earlier this week when I was once again admitted to the Short Stay Unit, she was my nurse on one of the nights. Immediately she remembered who I was from my name and asked me how I had been doing. It was nice to have a familiar face there. My mum was staying with me as I am only 17 and had not had a bed for the previous 2 nights we were in hospital, and Nurse Louise called around all of the wards until after midnight to get her a bed. She not only made sure that I was comfortable, but that my mum was comfortable too. She offered her food and hot drinks and supported her. She not only remembered me, I remembered her. She made such a positive impact on my stay in the hospital that I knew who she was straight away and I felt relieved that she was there.

Despite being on an adult ward, she made sure she treated me with age appropriate care when not all nurses did, and this really helped me feel safe and cared for. I have decided that I want to be a children’s nurse, because twice now I have been a scared child going into hospital very unwell and I now know the difference that a kind, caring, supportive nurse can make.

I would like to nominate Katie and Sophie, the ultimate midwifery dream team for a DAISY award.  I had a very challenging first pregnancy. I was originally told I would need a C-section, however things changed during my pregnancy and at 32 weeks pregnant I discovered I could have a vaginal birth after all.

After the complications, I was determined to have a birth that I felt in control of. I decided to undertake hypnobirthing with my husband and aim for a water birth with vaginal delivery and no epidural, with my husband as my birth partner and coach.  I was giving birth on the consultant led unit, and I was told the risk of me bleeding more than average was high and this would need to be managed. I was told that having a water birth increased my risk further, so I remained open minded but it was still my preference to have a water birth if I could. I therefore wrote a very detailed birth preferences document with as much information as possible.

On the morning I went into labour, we stayed at home for as long as we could. When we arrived at the Hospital later in the evening, we didn’t know what to expect, it was then we met Katie. She was so positive and friendly, she began to talk me through the surges and helped me to get through them alongside my husband as they ramped up.

She checked my cervix in between contractions and said I was already 6cm dilated. She was so calm and friendly and made me feel like I could definitely do it.  She requested my birth preferences document and passed this on to our midwife who would be in the birthing room with us, Sophie.

We arrived into the room and the birth pool was already nearly ready. We met Sophie who was already following all the preferences in our birth plan exactly even down to certain words she was using. She made me feel like everything would be okay and in the moment even with everything going on, she made me feel like it was possible to have the birth we wanted.  I laboured in the birthing pool for several hours, with my husband coaching me through contractions. I had originally planned to get out of the pool before our daughter was born due to the bleed risk, but by that point it wouldn’t have been possible for me to do so.

Sophie and Katie were so supportive in the final stages of labour. Katie reminded me to get into a squat position and to use each contraction fully. Sophie monitored our baby’s heart rate frequently but completely in line with our birth preferences.  Shortly later, our baby girl was born into the water and my husband and I were over the moon to finally meet her and that we had the birth we wanted to have.

After the birth, certain risks needed to be managed quickly. Sophie and Katie were calm, in control and efficient. They still followed our birth preferences but used their expertise to guide us in making safe decisions.  The care provided after the birth was above and beyond what I expected. Sophie balanced us spending time with our daughter and giving me the care I needed.  We would like to thank Sophie and Katie for such a positive, special birth after such a challenging pregnancy.

We met Katie in the early stages of labour with our DCDA twins (37 weeks). From the offset Katie was so excited at the prospect of delivering twins naturally, her enthusiasm and positive outlook matched mine straight away so I knew we’d be in great hands. A fellow colleague switching over shifts had also told us this.  Katie wasn’t with us for too long before her shift finished, but in that time she kept us fully up to date with the goings on of the ward, where we were at in our labour, all our options and that she was excited to come back that evening and meet our twins…

A long 12 hours went by and Katie was back, she was now even more enthusiastic as it was looking very likely that she would be delivering our boy and girl after all!  We had lots of pivots during this time; a catheter, a clip on twin A’s head, an epidural, Oxytocin drip, plus all the regular checks and monitoring of the babies. At no point did we have to ask Katie what was going on, all our options were explained, her positivity never faulted, which was a huge support to me, and her energy never left despite being the middle of the night.

Along with Emily the student midwife, I, and my husband were always made super comfortable with pillows and sheets, night lights and refreshments.   When 2am came around and the epidural was working, fully with Katie’s lead, it was time to meet our babies. As a result of the epidural I didn’t know how I was going to push without ‘feeling’ but Katie guided me through the whole, almost hour until the minute our babies were placed on my chest. She told me where to push, how to push, how close our babies were to entering the world and gave me the biggest amount of encouragement to believe that I could do it! And I did! All with Katie’s guidance and eagerness, she was just as excited to meet our twins as we were!

Both our babies arrived with very little fuss or stress. The environment was calm, zen and magic (30 minutes prior Katie had made me a peppermint tea and told me to nap, and that’s what I did).  There were very few people in the room, Katie was fully in control, I had complete faith in her ability to deliver our two babies safely, and she did.

The ‘argument’ then began; Katie claimed that I did it, I birthed both babies, and that it was all me. It wasn’t, without Katie and her overflowing passion and amazing skill set I could have easily failed at the last hurdle. Our babies were born 29 minutes apart all thanks to Katie. When it was time for Katie’s shift to finish again she told me our birth had been the highlight of her Midwifery career. To be told those words stands testament to the amazing efforts she went to during our labour.  All the Midwifery team at Lister made our whole experience (all 8 + months) truly wonderful, we can’t fault a single member, but Katie especially deserves special recognition for her work ethic and attitude to bringing new little lives into the world.  When I was told about the DAISY Awards I knew that in the midst of our new chaotic twin bubble I would certainly support Katie and nominate her, she’s certainly a deserving winner in our family’s eyes.

To understand why I’m nominating Lauren, you need to understand the context in which she cared for me. I was pregnant with my second child and living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD from historical sexual trauma. I was planning an elective C-section for psychological reasons and receiving specialist support from the mental health team led by Anna Matthews—whom I later learned helped train Lauren early in her career.

From our very first encounter, Lauren showed not just clinical skill, but deep empathy and emotional intelligence. She gave me time and space to speak, listened without judgment, and consistently delivered care that was tailored to my emotional and psychological needs. There was no patronising tone or head-tilt of pity—only a calm, warm professionalism that immediately helped me feel safe. She communicated clearly, respectfully, and with great humour, which became a vital source of comfort during a vulnerable time. She even shared recipes that made me smile on hard days—an example of her holistic and deeply human approach to care.  Lauren removed unnecessary stress from my pregnancy journey. She was accessible by text when I had concerns, always responded thoughtfully, and empowered me with reassurance and practical guidance. Her ability to balance boundaries while still making me feel seen and valued is a rare gift in healthcare.

But what truly sets Lauren apart is how she went above and beyond—not in a single dramatic moment, but in the countless small, thoughtful actions that shaped my entire pregnancy and birth experience. This nomination doesn’t tell the story of one heroic act. Instead, it’s a story of quiet strength, kindness, and professional foresight. From adjusting her shifts so she could be there for my C-section, to recognising silent panic in my body language, to swapping an oxygen mask for a nasal cannula so I could see and hold my daughter—every small gesture added up to something profound. These were

acts that didn’t just meet a clinical need—they met me where I was.  After her shift, she returned to check on me. She took charge of my baby’s head-to-toe exam because she knew I was anxious. Again, nothing flashy—just careful, considerate care at every stage. It wasn’t the big things that made the difference. It was the accumulation of the small ones.

Lauren embodies every one of the Trust’s values: she Includes by making every patient feel heard and respected, Respects the emotional journey behind each clinical need, and Improves the patient experience in ways both large and small. She reflects all five standards of excellence—leadership, shared decision-making, well-being, safety and quality, and professional development—and leads by example in everything she does.  Lauren is a reminder of the extraordinary human connection at the heart of healthcare.

She never blurs the line between being a midwife and being a friend—you always know she’s in control, but you also know she cares deeply. She represents what the DAISY Award was created to honour: skilled, compassionate care that transforms the patient experience. She is courageous, emotionally intelligent, funny, and simply outstanding at her job.

We need more Lauren’s in the NHS, and I will forever be grateful she was part of the journey that gave me my daughter.

Lauren is the reason I’m still standing.  On a bad day in March I was rushed to triage with a small bleed. After a night of observation and being looked after by Mary, we were told the devastating news that our son was coming too early.

I was transferred to the Consultant led unit and on the Saturday Lauren was assigned to us. She was just picking up an extra shift, and I’ll be forever grateful it was that one.  Lauren showed so much grace, dignity and had so much knowledge, it made a horrendous experience that much calmer.  She not only cared for me, my husband but my mum too.  The birth was traumatic but Lauren managed to make the unthinkable bearable.  She walked through our grief with us, she made us feel so comfortable and our feelings valid.  She was exactly what we needed, strength when we were sad and laughing along with us offering a joke when we had no crying left.  Her extra touches made it an experience full of grace, she helped us make memories and supported us as we spent the day with our son whom she treated with such dignity. Unfortunately the couple next door also lost their baby that afternoon and Lauren cared for us both, not that I knew that as soon as she entered our room she was professional and couldn’t help us more.

Lauren was a part of a bigger team; Beth who cared for us all night long and reassured us at every step. The consultant Racheal who has followed up with our care.  I’ll be forever grateful for Lauren, Beth, Mary and Racheal. They all deserve every award. But it was Lauren’s eyes I looked into as I delivered my baby whose heart didn’t beat. It was Lauren who helped me be stronger than I ever thought I could be. It was Lauren who brought our son into the world and for that I’ll forever remember her!

I am nominating Maureen Nool for the DAISY Award because of the exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism she showed during my recent bowel screening experience.  From the moment I met Maureen at my initial appointment, her warm and friendly manner began to put me at ease immediately. First impressions matter, and Maureen’s approach created a calm, reassuring atmosphere that made a potentially stressful experience much more manageable.

During the appointment, I unfortunately became unwell. Maureen handled the

situation with extraordinary calmness, respect, and compassion. She prioritised my needs without hesitation and made me feel safe and supported throughout. Her ability to stay composed while offering comfort was deeply appreciated and left a lasting impression on me.

What truly stood out was how Maureen went above and beyond her professional role.  While I was undergoing the screening procedure, she took the time to meet and support my wife in the waiting room. She not only remembered who we were but made the effort to connect and offer reassurance to my wife during a time of worry.

She even came to check on me personally to see how I was doing, demonstrating genuine concern and care.  Maureen truly saw me as a whole person—not just a patient. When she came to check on me, she told me how proud she was of me, clearly demonstrating that she understood my needs in that moment and offered the kind of empathy that can’t be taught.  Maureen is an absolute credit to the NHS. Her compassion, dedication, and human touch turned a vulnerable moment into one where I felt valued, supported, and understood. The reassurance and kindness she gave will stay with me for a very long time. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her as part of my care.

Having spent 9 weeks so far as an inpatient I have had many nurses and doctors involved in my care and it is not often that you meet someone like Reena.  I cannot begin to even describe what Reena means to me and how she has made a very distressing time easier.  Nurses are unsung hero’s, but Reena really is, not only does she continuously show the true values of what a DAISY award stands for but her dedication, support, kind, caring and compassionate nature is second to none.  Reena has spent time listening, understanding and being an advocate for me, and supported me when I’ve hit my worst and lowest days.

Having grown up with my mum being a nurse for over 30 years at Lister Hospital and seeing what a difference her care made to multiple people, I will always make sure that I celebrate the people that truly touch your heart and Reena is one of those very special nurses.  Reena will make sure even on her busiest days that she checks in with me to see how I am, always meets me with a smile, comforting words when I’m struggling or celebrating the positives alongside me.

I know that Reena taking the extra time to get to know me as a person has enabled me to fully trust her and that’s one of the biggest things I have always struggled with especially being neurodiverse.  Even when Reena comes to check in, I never feel rushed or unheard, and she always makes me feel like I’m the only patient that matters in those moments. Not only this but I’ve also seen how Reena is with her other patients and how calming her presence is towards us all.

Thank you will never be enough.  Reena really deserves to know how special she is and how eternally grateful I am.

I would like to say thank you, and have Seamairah recognized, for everything she did for me during my pregnancy and delivery. I had plans for a home birth throughout my pregnancy, and after being told my baby was measuring big at 38 weeks, I started to feel really unsure, confused and stressed, with options of induction and c-sections being discussed. Seamairah was there for me, taking the time to talk me through the different options, risk factors and just listen to my thoughts about it all. She gave me so much confidence in myself, and reassured me that no matter what I decide, I can absolutely do it. That really meant so much to me in those last few weeks of pregnancy where

everything feels quite tough. The morning my contractions started, I had an

appointment booked with Seamairah anyway. She came to my home to perform a sweep, and was so upbeat, positive and excited with me that labour was starting and that upon examination, my cervix was dilating. Between Seamairah and my partner, I felt like I had a great team behind me, and it meant that I was in a really positive headspace and felt so motivated and ready, despite feeling quite nervous on the lead up to my due date. Seamairah continued to check in on me throughout the day, and

even liaised with her colleagues to see if she could swap her on call around, in hopes she may be able to attend my home birth. Thankfully Seamairah was able to, and at 03:30 the next day, the call was made to her as contractions had ramped up. Seamairah was at my home with me supporting me for over 12 hours. Whilst she was professional and did what she needed to do, it also just felt like having a friend in my home. Despite feeling vulnerable at that time, I felt really comfortable having Seamairah there with

me and she was great at coaching me when I needed it, or taking my mind off of things by chatting about normal things. After trying to push for 3 hours and getting too tired to continue, I was transferred to hospital for a forceps delivery. Seamairah stayed with me the whole time, including in theatre, where she was right by my side as we welcomed our beautiful baby girl (who indeed was big at 10lbs 1oz) 16 hours after Seamairah arrived at our home that morning. I will forever be grateful to Seamairah for making my birth experience such a positive one. I know I wouldn’t have felt that positive

without her. I trusted in her fully, and felt such reassurance just from having her in the house with me, and that made all the difference. Although a hospital transfer and forceps weren’t in my original plan, I wouldn’t change a thing about my birth. I absolutely loved it and Seamairah was a huge part of that.

Someone took lots of photos for us in theatre. There is one particular photo, with me and my baby on my chest, my partner next to me, and Seamairah on the other side.  Naturally, me and my partner are beaming, but so is Seamairah. You can tell she truly loves her job, and how much pride and joy she gets from it. That photo is so treasured by me and my partner and will always be a reminder of how much Seamairah did for us that day. What was likely a standard day at work for her, was a huge life moment for us, and we are so glad she was a part of it and will be forever grateful to her for making it so great.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding care and compassion shown by Roma who supported our family during an incredibly difficult time at Lister Hospital. My father was in the final stage of his life, and the emotional weight of the situation was overwhelming for our entire family.

She arrived early in the morning, well before we expected anyone. From the moment she stepped into the room, her calm and compassionate presence helped ease our anxiety. She didn’t rush through her visit she took her time to sit with us, talk with us, and more importantly, listen. She reassured us in a way that was deeply human and sincere. She explained my father’s condition gently but clearly, and she helped us understand what to expect, which brought us a sense of peace even as we prepared for the inevitable.

The emotional support she offered was beyond what we could have hoped for. She acknowledged our fears, validated our feelings, and treated our father with great dignity. Her kindness and empathy were evident in every word and every action. It was clear that she wasn’t just doing her job she truly cared. That kind of compassion can’t be taught, it comes from within.

What stood out even more was that she returned the very next day. She had

remembered the concerns we raised and came back to address them directly. There was no delay, no pushing things to another team, she took ownership of the issue and ensured that it was dealt with promptly and professionally. Her commitment to making sure we felt heard and supported meant the world to us. what she did for us will always be remembered.

Throughout this experience, she showed incredible patience, empathy, and

professionalism. She was not only there for my father but for all of us. She helped create an environment where we felt safe to grieve, to ask questions, and to just be present with our dad in his final hours. That kind of support is invaluable and something that we will always carry with us.

To this extraordinary nurse, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your

compassion, presence, and unwavering support brought light during one of the darkest moments of our lives.

Nomination 1:  Sister Meg went above and beyond to help a patient that is homeless by making sure that they had clothes to wear, supporting the patient at all times and helping the patient to get somewhere to stay after being discharged. Sister Meg shows her true care when on shift with all the patients and making sure that they are all cared for at all times. This patient wants to put her forward for this award as he feels self assured of the help and support even to the point of sister Meg helping sort out the patient’s dog making sure that the dog is being cared for. 

Nomination 2: Sister Meg was extremely compassionate and went above and beyond for a homeless patient who was in need of care. She took it upon herself to make sure the patient had clothes (arranged and donated by ward staff), proper care following an orthopaedic injury and most importantly felt like a human-being. The patient commented several times about how kind she was and it was a pleasure to witness such incredible care. We wanted to nominate her for being so kind-hearted and, despite the challenges associated with complex discharge planning, she remained professional and ensured that the patient’s best interests were the priority. She does not realise what a difference she has made to this gentleman’s life and she has offered him a fresh start!!!

I would love to nominate Vandana for a DAISY Award due to her amazing care, compassion, support and being the biggest comfort to me in what has been a real tough 3 weeks so far. You meet people in your life who will forever hold a special place in your heart and make a lifelong impact.  I will forever be grateful to Vandana. She has shown me that she has the patients interests in the forefront of her mind always.

I am medically complex and will always advocate for myself and my care. Vandana has supported my need for discussion and explanation giving me time to have a voice, as we know nurses are busy and rushed off their feet but to always feel like I am the only person in the world that matters in that moment to Vandana, I will be forever grateful.  I am always met with a smile and a caring approach. I feel seen and heard and not just as a disabled medically complex wheelchair user. As a disabled person we are seen for the difficulties but not the person that we actually are.

Vandana has always treated me with the upmost respect and has also listened and been an advocate for my care. I will always show my appreciation to nurses who have gone that little bit further and I know that Vandana will always be my comfort. I can say this inpatient stay I have gone through some distressing times and I’ve found it so difficult to be here, but with Vandana she has settled my anxieties which is tough as a neurodiverse lady all I ask for is what Vandana continuously shows me.

To me for Vandana to have this recognition will not only make her feel appreciated but it would also help heal my heart and to show her that I am forever eternally grateful for not only an exceptional nurse but a wonderful lady too.  Nurses like this deserve the world.

Nominated by a patient

After a terrifying first pregnancy, we have been looked after by Yazmin twice so far in

our second pregnancy and each time goes above and beyond. She genuinely is the

kindest person I’ve ever met and helps me feel relaxed in an anxious environment. She

would visit me in ICU during my first pregnancy, bringing hand knitted hats for my little

boy and helped me express my colostrum and milk which I will be forever grateful for.

Without her, my son wouldn’t have been able to have 6 weeks of my milk. In this

pregnancy she has had made a notes folder which has been personalised. All these

gestures are so thoughtful and a true representation on Yazmin’s kind and caring

character. She makes coming to Triage that little easier, and I will always remember her

for being so thoughtful and kind. She really does continue to make such a positive

impact in my pregnancy!

Nominated by a Colette Seddon, Paediatric Community Matron

I would like to nominate my colleague Fay for a DAISY Award for her extraordinary compassion and unwavering support during what has been the most challenging year of my life.

This past year, my daughter was involved in a serious road traffic collision that required extensive care. Just as I was beginning to navigate that heartbreaking situation, I returned to work only to face the devastating loss of my son. These events turned my world upside down, and I honestly don’t know how I would have managed without Fay by my side.

Fay has been an incredible source of support throughout this time. She has been there for me during my darkest moments, listening to me cry on the phone and in person—even allowing me to cry uninterrupted for over 20 minutes when I simply couldn’t hold it together. Her ability to provide a safe space for me to grieve, vent, and process my emotions has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Returning to work after almost a year away was an overwhelming experience. I felt lost and unsure of how to navigate the transition. Fay’s support has been a lifeline during this process. She has guided me with patience and understanding, making my phased return manageable and far less daunting than I had feared. She has been there every step of the way, checking in regularly and ensuring I never feel alone in this journey. Fay’s compassion and empathy shine through in everything she does. Her actions have not only helped me regain a sense of normalcy but also reminded me of the incredible kindness and humanity that exists in our workplace. Fay truly embodies what it means to be a compassionate caregiver, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

Thank you, Fay, for being my rock during this unimaginable year. You are an inspiration to all of us.

Nominated by Kevin Hazelwood, Emergency Department Pharmacist

I recently brought my 12 year old autistic son in for an acute surgical problem. It was

11pm, he was tired, in obvious pain and very anxious about his visit.  Once triaged and awaiting the surgeons we were moved to the Children’s Assessment Unit where Shay introduced herself and took over his nursing care. From that first moment she was absolutely amazing with him.

Being autistic our son does not normally engage with strangers, but Shay was quickly able to make him feel safe and comfortable. Her mannerisms and nurturing style, mixed with a little humour, enabled her to carry out the required observations without fuss, and apply “magic cream” to multiple sites. She even got him to smile and recite his name and DOB when asked which was great!  She constantly reassured him about what was going to happen and was very patient, professional and caring when going through things with us as parents. She accompanied us up to recovery for emergency theatre and then even carried mum’s bags down to Bluebell and made sure she was okay while our son was in theatre.

It wasn’t until later she became aware that we (both parents) were healthcare practitioners and familiar with hospitals and ED processes so all her actions and behaviours were natural and not adapted in any way. It was incredibly reassuring to see Shay deliver excellent, competent and compassionate care to our son and we are very grateful the Trust has nurses like her.  Thank you Shay!!

Nominated by a patient’s mother

On the 4 December 2024, my 8 week old son was admitted to Bluebell ward following a bacterial infection. As you can imagine as a first time parent, this was extremely daunting.

I used to work as a registered professional at Lister Hospital so I am fully aware of the Trust’s values and what each staff member should be maintaining during their care to patients. I can say with absolute confidence that the care has been amazing from his visit in the Children’s Assessment Unit/Children’s Emergency Department right up until his discharge from Bluebell ward.

In particular, Staff Nurse Shaz on Bluebell ward has been exceptional which is why I’d like to nominate her for a DAISY award.  She took the time to listen to my concerns as a mother but made sure she cared for both myself and my son with her holistic approach. She was empathetic, nurturing, compassionate and went above and beyond for both my son and I.  No task or question asked was too much trouble and she was able to provide me with the confidence I needed to go forward in feeding my son on a different formula and provided me with emotional/mental health support postpartum following my journey so far.

The last eight weeks of motherhood have been really challenging and not the best experience and somehow talking to Shaz has made going forward as a mum that little bit easier, especially after providing support, advice, guidance and reassurance. I cannot thank her enough, she is a credit to the ward and to Lister Hospital.

2^nd nomination:  Nominated by a patient’s mother

 Between July and October 2024, our three year old daughter was hospitalised multiple times via ambulance due to unexplained seizures. These always required emergency care (often in resus) and several weeks-long stays on Bluebell ward. We also had two blue light transfers to Addenbrooke’s for more specialist care.  Out daughter had to undergo many invasive tests to understand her medical condition and the best treatment plan. I was 6 weeks postpartum at the time of her first admission and was breastfeeding a baby and still recovering from birth. This coupled with the fact that her condition was complex and unexplained meant that this was a really traumatic period for my husband and I, as well as our wider family.

From the first interaction with Shaz I could tell that she was someone who could provide safe and competent care to our daughter but also that she was incredibly compassionate to my husband and I.  She provided a shoulder to cry on and counselled me through many of the hospital processes and tests and gave me reassurance that our daughter was safe. I spent every night with her during her admissions and Shaz helped me manage my breastfeeding journey for our new son so that I could balance both of my children’s needs and this had a really positive impact on my experience at hospital.  On multiple occasions during our stays, Shaz went above and beyond in her role. For example, she worked tirelessly with the doctors to coordinate an urgent MRI scan for our daughter and a blue light transfer to Addenbrooke’s. I know this involved co-ordinating many teams and really advocating for our daughter to very stretched and busy teams. She always kept us up to date with our daughter’s treatment and this made a massive difference in understanding her care plan. At a time when we felt very out of control, she made sure we were well informed and involved in all of the plans for her treatment.

Whilst her primary role is looking after the children under her care, Shaz went above and beyond in making my husband and I feel as supported and reassured as possible – including visiting us in the resus department when we were readmitted – and this demonstrated to me her genuine compassion for our daughter and the exceptional support she provides for parents she interacts with.

Thankfully our daughter is now doing brilliantly and currently has her seizures under control but I genuinely don’t think I could have got through the last few months without the wonderful Bluebell team and Shaz.

Nominated by Lauren Cook, Midwife

I would like to nominate Becky for a DAISY award for the exceptional support she has given me as a colleague and manager. I qualified as a midwife in September, at the same time as Becky took over as the new preceptor lead for midwives. I significantly struggled with my confidence and anxiety since qualifying and went into a very dark place, which led to me having to take 7 weeks off work through the stresses of my job. I went to Becky when I was feeling my worst and she has gone above and beyond to do everything she can to make me feel better at work. No problem was too big for her, and I truly felt I could be completely honest with my thoughts. She has such a kind and caring nature, has been someone I feel I can really trust and has put in so much work to allow me to feel comfortable. She has been at the end of a phone call or text message at all times of the day and even on her days off. She has consistently checked in with me during my time off, has arranged weekly meetings and has communicated with my colleagues and implemented changes on what can help me during my shifts.

Becky was the person to encourage me to take some time off to focus on myself, and without that gentle nudge, I would have never of allowed myself to do so. She was also the person that encouraged me to agree to seeking help from my GP which has made a big difference. She has allowed me to take time off without the feelings of guilt I would usually have and has been so supportive upon my return, making sure she comes to check on me during and after shifts as well as regular meetings again. She has sat and listened to every worry or issue I have had, and addressed them all, providing solutions and advice which has been so helpful in changing my mindset and feelings about work.

Becky is a truly wonderful and empowering person, who deserves all the credit she can for the lovely person she is. Not to forget, she has managed to achieve all of this whilst being new in the job herself, where I can imagine she is also navigating the natural struggles that come with understanding a new job role and looking after all of the other newly qualified midwives. I truly believe that without Becky, I would have left my job by now and been looking at another career. But because of her support, I have started to build my confidence and even thrive at work. Therefore, I would love to be able to give something little back to portray my gratitude for her support!

Nominated by Teresa Tom, Nurse Team Manager

Marie always comes onto shift in a happy bright mood. She works a lot of nights and more recently as winter is approaching the shifts have been very busy with a demanding workload. She has been noted by myself to manage and lead the shift in a calm and controlled manner guiding newer members of the team and leading them through the shift. She is polite to the medical team as well as service users.

In particular this Monday was exceptionally busy with over an hour wait to triage due to the sheer amount of patients booking in to CED. Marie did not panic or complain about what was ahead of her as the nurse in charge, instead started the shift getting involved with tackling the triages whilst also having an oversight with the running of the caseload and running order for the different specialities to see.  Marie is a caring individual and always approachable and flexible with shift changes if able.  Keep up the good work!

2^nd nomination:  Nominated by a parent

I would like to nominate Marie Little in Children’s Emergency Department for the DAISY Award.  My daughter attended and had been admitted with RSV.  Marie cared for my daughter overnight, Marie was efficient in making sure my daughter received all the correct medication on time, ensuring she had regular observations and making sure she was comfortable.  Having previously felt undermined and not listened to, Marie came in as a breath of fresh air and asked my opinions and thoughts on the care plan and treatments. Marie also had incredible bedside manner and her communication with my daughter was amazing. Marie offered patient and family centred care, something we felt lacked in the day.

Marie offered refreshments to myself regularly throughout the night, despite being so busy that I am sure she did not have a break herself – this shows the type of nurse that Marie is. Marie is caring, compassionate and always thinking about the best interests of her patients and their care givers.  Although we were asleep, when Marie finished her night shift, she came to say goodbye. This action truly shows that Marie is one of the most incredible nurses that Lister has, she really is a credit to the department.

Nominated by Aisling Thurley, Midwife

 Jasmine has gone above and beyond for a woman and her baby under difficult circumstances. She changed her shift to ensure she could be present for the birth and also went in on her day off when the unit staff were refused entry to the room to care for the woman. Jasmine also created a bag of baby items for the baby to take into care when the parents had not prepared anything. Jasmine is a fabulous midwife and an amazing member of the team.

2^nd nomination:  Nominated by Mary Goodin, Consultant;  Anna Matthews, Midwife  and Stacey Malone, Midwife

We would like to nominate Jasmine Nelson for a DAISY award.  She is an incredibly dedicated community midwife who gives all of her patient’s wonderful care. She recently went above and beyond the remit of her role to support a very complex couple, to whom the world has been unkind throughout their lives.  The patient is neurodiverse and clearly experiences the world very differently from the majority of us. This has led to multiple challenges in providing her optimal antenatal care. Jasmine has been dedicated to finding ways to help her overcome these challenges to ensure both the mother and the baby have the best outcome possible and gave truly personalised care.

In addition to her neurodiversity, this patient has a complex mental health and social background, which has required working with the full maternity MDT, presenting and advocating for her whilst considering the future wellbeing of the unborn child. Examples of the personalised care included arranging and attending all her appointments in the hospital with her (prior to Jasmine doing this she was DNA-ing all her care) and making sure she is able to get here by advocating her to have taxis. She arranged her timetable so she could be present for her birth as this patient would struggle with an unfamiliar team. She attended that unit, on her day off, at the request of other staff in the unit as this patient was struggling with her mental wellbeing postnatally, Jasmine help calmed down a very tricky situation.

As a service we are lucky to have such a phenomenal community midwife who has made sure she is able to provide truly personalised continuity of care, despite all the other demands on the community midwifery team.

Nominated by Aries Reyes, Lead Moving and Handling Advisor

I am honoured to nominate Marta and Darren from the Moving and Handling team for the DAISY Award for their outstanding contribution to a life-saving incident in one of the Trust’s satellite units.

They had visited the area primarily to facilitate and conduct a scheduled Moving and Handling audit. However, upon entering the department, Marta and Darren noticed a patient who became critically unwell. Demonstrating exceptional situational awareness, they quickly assessed the patient’s condition and, moments later, witnessed the patient go into cardiac arrest.

Without hesitation, Marta and Darren took decisive action. Using their expertise and calm professionalism, they coordinated with the staff present to safely lower the patient to the ground, ensuring no further harm. They immediately initiated chest compressions, performing effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite challenges posed by the department’s limited manpower that day, their swift intervention, teamwork, and adherence to life-saving protocols were instrumental in resuscitating the patient before emergency medical teams arrived.

Thanks to their life-saving efforts, the patient regained consciousness, providing precious additional time for the patient to be with their loved ones. Although the patient sadly passed away a few days later due to their deteriorating condition, Marta and Darren’s actions allowed the patient to bid farewell to their family—a deeply meaningful and invaluable gift in their final days.  This extraordinary incident underscores Marta and Darren’s technical skills, dedication to patient safety, and respect for human dignity. Their heroic response embodies the essence of the DAISY Award and deserves the highest recognition.Seamairah Razzaq

Nominated by Aries Reyes, Lead Moving and Handling Advisor

I am honoured to nominate Marta and Darren from the Moving and Handling team for the DAISY Award for their outstanding contribution to a life-saving incident in one of the Trust’s satellite units.

They had visited the area primarily to facilitate and conduct a scheduled Moving and Handling audit. However, upon entering the department, Marta and Darren noticed a patient who became critically unwell. Demonstrating exceptional situational awareness, they quickly assessed the patient’s condition and, moments later, witnessed the patient go into cardiac arrest.

Without hesitation, Marta and Darren took decisive action. Using their expertise and calm professionalism, they coordinated with the staff present to safely lower the patient to the ground, ensuring no further harm. They immediately initiated chest compressions, performing effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Despite challenges posed by the department’s limited manpower that day, their swift intervention, teamwork, and adherence to life-saving protocols were instrumental in resuscitating the patient before emergency medical teams arrived.

Thanks to their life-saving efforts, the patient regained consciousness, providing precious additional time for the patient to be with their loved ones. Although the patient sadly passed away a few days later due to their deteriorating condition, Marta and Darren’s actions allowed the patient to bid farewell to their family—a deeply meaningful and invaluable gift in their final days.  This extraordinary incident underscores Marta and Darren’s technical skills, dedication to patient safety, and respect for human dignity. Their heroic response embodies the essence of the DAISY Award and deserves the highest recognition.

Nominated by a patient

In August 2024, I was admitted to the Lister for an induction to deliver my third baby. After a tricky 24 hours, where my anxiety spiked, I was told I was 4cm dilated and was transferred to the MLU ready to go and deliver my baby.

There, I met Imogen. She immediately put me at ease and treated me with a gentle kindness and respect. She asked me for my birth preferences – I said I hadn’t written a birth plan because I was being induced for a third time and things were out of my control. She explained it was never too late, and we talked through my preferences – my desire to have immediate skin to skin and my fears about not feeling safe and that I needed to be reminded I was safe to keep anxiety at bay.

A few hours later it was a shift change and time to say goodbye to Imogen (I was gutted!). Unfortunately, the induction did not progress well and I had to go back to Dacre Ward to continue my induction. I struggled to gain composure and was pretty upset about it.

The next morning, I went for a walk and bumped into Imogen and Keira (who was also incredible). I wasn’t under Imogen’s care at that point but she still took the time to talk to me about how I felt going back to Dacre – she listened, she cared. This wasn’t part of her shift or work but she went above and beyond to check I was ok.

Fast forward a few hours and I was on the CLU getting my waters broken and the midwife looking after me was called in for an emergency section. I had to transfer to a new midwife. And who popped her head round the corner with a huge smile – Imogen!  It was so reassuring, and it meant I continued to feel relaxed.

Imogen was amazing – encouraging but respectful of the space my husband and I wanted to create. She created a safe space and protected the room. She advocated for me – asking people to leave the room when she could tell it was impacting me. It was like she was one step ahead of what I was thinking.

My labour ramped up quickly and I felt I was losing control. It was a sign of the trust I had built that I grabbed Imogen’s hand and asked her how to get control back. She looked me in the eye and told me I was, that I was doing it. Things escalated quickly and I remember suddenly feeling scared. Until I heard Imogen’s voice saying “you’re safe and baby is safe”. It meant SO much that even though she must have met lots of women between when I first met her and when she came back to help with delivery, she remembered exactly what I needed and in an instant she stopped my fear.

I remember thinking “you’re safe, time to enjoy this experience now,”. And I did! It grounded me and through that simple reminder she bought me back to the birth so that I could really experience and connect, knowing I was safe.

She also remembered my desire to have skin to skin and made this happen instantly (and respectfully) – I didn’t have to remind, it just seamlessly happened. Through her very personalised care that really centred around what I needed and wanted, she turned a very stressful induction into a birth that was empowering and so special. I loved my birth and I have amazing memories of it because of Imogen. She completely turned around my whole experience because of her compassion and the way she knew exactly what would help me.

Imogen is a complete credit to the profession and to the Lister. I have been lucky enough to give birth to three babies and the care I received from Imogen completely stands out – she empowers women beautifully by knowing what will make a difference to them. Thank you Imogen!

1^st nomination:  Nominated by a patient 

Mr Salazar has really made a difference to my time as a patient receiving haemodialysis. There are two main areas in which he has made a big impact and these are; his friendly approach to the patients and the level of professionalism he displays in doing his job.

Mr Salazar is always so cheerful and caring when delivering care and even on my bad days when I’m feeling low, he always manages to put a smile on my face. Whenever I see him, he is cheerful and always takes time to communicate with myself and the other patients. He does have a holistic approach to the care he delivers, he understands that receiving dialysis is not easy and shows concern for our mental and emotional welfare as well as the physical.   Even though there are times the unit can be very busy, I have seen Troy assisting other staff when they needed help and he is always working hard, making sure that the necessary equipment needed on the unit is available and items are in good condition.

Whenever I have needed any advice about my treatment or have required assistance when Troy was on shift, he always has taken the time to talk with me, or assist me and explain what I needed to know. He really has made a difference to my time at the unit, he makes it a friendly, informative and safe place and I know I can always turn to him and get friendly and professional advice. Troy makes receiving quite a difficult treatment so much more pleasant and I think this should be recognised, therefore I am making this nomination. 

2^nd nomination:  Nominated by a patient 

Troy is a valuable member of this unit. He’s professional, caring, great at communicating, compassionate and skilled. He helps us out straight away, makes conversation, always checking up on our mental wellbeing and physical health to see if we’re okay. He always goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable, always making us laugh and smile. Troy is always meticulous in his work and approach to the treatment.

Especially when I am difficult to needle, he reassures me it’ll be okay and is always so gentle when inserting the needle, he’s never given up on me even though sometimes it can take up to about a good 20 minutes + to needle just one site. It can get frustrating when needling takes this long but he still smiles at me and continues to reassure me things will go smoothly. He’s always consistent with ensuring things go to plan and is always prepared to do things efficiently so there’s no delay. He’s a genuine person with a lot of patience and understanding, it feels welcoming every time he’s at the unit. He never rushes you and always answers any questions we have, always checks up on information or results for us. He’s always great even when dealing with difficult situations. Nurses are often the heart of healthcare and they create the biggest impact on the environment you’re around. 

I would say Troy is that special nurse that makes the entire experience of being in dialysis bearable especially when you’re having a hard time. I know if he’s here, we’re going to be having a good time in dialysis, stress free and calm. He’s devoted to being an amazing nurse, he puts the extra care and effort always for everyone. He deserves the award for being so generous and kind-hearted. He’s an exceptional nurse.

Nominated by a member of the public 

Beneth was the nurse looking after my husband following prostate removal in February. During his time on ward 7B North, all of the staff were kind and caring but Beneth stood out for her kind and compassionate care: Following a very uncomfortable and painful night, Beneth kindly stepped in when the bed manager asked that my husband be moved to the treatment centre, advocating for him, explaining to her colleagues that it would be detrimental to his recovery. Her care was outstanding, going over and above her role, with all of the patients in the bay my husband was in, going to great lengths to understand patient needs.

The patient next to my husband was rude and aggressive to her however, she remained very patient, repeatedly explaining in a kind way what was happening. She calmed the patient, showing empathy and understanding of his needs and he was then apologetic and grateful. The patient turned out to be deaf, her approach created a safe, calming space, respecting the patient and ensured his needs were met.  Beneth’s kind, compassionate manner meant that I felt confident that my husband was receiving outstanding care, making it easier to leave him each night. 

Before he was discharged, she patiently went through everything I needed to do for my husband at home, demonstrating how to do the blood thinning injection the first day and allowed me to do it for him on the second day, under her careful instruction. She showed me how to change both day and night bag and advised on washing/showering. I am grateful to Beneth for going the extra mile and ensuring my husband’s care in hospital and on discharge was the best it could be.  Beneth deserves recognition for truly demonstrating every aspect of the DAISY award.  We are very grateful to her!