International Nurses Day 2019: Recognising the amazing work of our nursing staff

Staff from across the Trust nominated their nursing colleagues in nine categories including patient feedback award, outstanding nurse contribution for embedding clinical research, and the director of nursing award for outstanding contribution to nursing.

Our nurse of the year award was presented to Begona Jimenez, a nurse in ophthalmology, for ‘revolutionising’ the oculoplastics (eyelid and eye socket surgery) service in 12 months.

The award for children’s nurse of the year went to paediatric emergency department liaison nurse Samantha Evans for her ‘massive contribution’ to the care of children with mental health conditions.

The healthcare support worker of the year award was won by Cecilia Buhain, whose colleagues in the Trust’s operating theatres praised her ‘immense’ dedication to her patients, the department and the NHS.

This year’s midwife of the year, Rebecca Cousins, was nominated by a member of Trust staff who thanked her for her kindness, compassion and professionalism during her pregnancy and the birth of her twins. She said: “I feel so fortunate to have two healthy babies and to have had the best experience. I’m sure Rebecca won’t remember us, but we will remember her forever.”

Gail Byrne, the Trust’s director of nursing, was delighted to see the work of the Trust’s nursing staff honoured. She said: “This has been an amazing event to celebrate our UHS nurses and midwives and all the award nominees and winners should feel very proud.”

Throughout the day, staff, patients and visitors at University Hospital Southampton celebrated International Nurses Day with activities including a ward dressing-up competition with an international theme, afternoon tea hampers for nurses, and a display of young patients’ artwork on the theme of ‘my favourite nurse’.

Gail added: “Having been out on the wards this morning, it’s been lovely to see how staff have decorated the wards, dressed up and baked cakes, and there is a real sense of pride and fun with patients joining in too.

“UHS has a highly motivated group of wonderful nurses and midwives who through their dedication, care and kindness make every day that bit better for our patients and their families.

“I would like to say Happy International Day of the Midwife (last Sunday) and Happy International Nurses Day to everyone for this Sunday. Thank you for everything you do each and every day.”