A nurse specialising in cancer treatment and a midwife were both honoured as part of International Nurses Day, which marked the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
Maria Lawson, who was worked as the lead colorectal cancer nurse specialist at Derriford since 2009, was awarded the Nurse of the Year title, while Amanda Newbold was named Midwife of the Year.
Maria’s colleague Nicola Bevan-French said:
“Maria always ensures she’s looking at something from the patient’s point of view and considering what’s in their best interest. Her capacity for caring for the patients and the way she delivers care gives patients and families a great deal of comfort, even when the news is not good.
“One example of this is her work with a bowel cancer patient. He had reviewed the Cancer Patient Experience Survey and met with Maria to give his view on the findings. Maria explained the reasoning behind some of the results. The patient wanted to write to Ann James and Maria encouraged this – he was by this point palliative and Maria knew how much it would mean to him to know his vision for improvements was being listened to. Ann received the letter and Maria met with her to ask if she would meet with the patient. Ann agreed and also requested that the patient come to give his story at the Board meeting. Sadly he passed away before he could do this, so Maria spoke for him at the meeting. He would have been very proud of her.
“I’ve been working with Maria for just over a year and have formed a deep respect for her and the way she carries out her nursing role. I know how many nurses work long hours to go above and beyond and this is certainly true of Maria.
“Maria is never afraid to speak up in support of patients – we need more nurses like her.”
Greg Dix, Chief Nurse, presented Maria with her award. He said:
“We had so many nominations for nurse, midwife and care assistant of the year, which is absolutely brilliant. But Maria’s clearly stood out.”
Maria added:
“I’m totally overwhelmed. But I know how everyone here puts patients first, too. Thank you so much.”
Amanda Newbold has worked as a midwife with the Jubilee Team, who support women to give birth at home, since 2011. Her colleagues are very quick to point out how kind and supportive Amanda is.
“Amanda’s patients think the world of her, and are very grateful for her kindness and professionalism,” said Anne-Marie Dalton. “Her calm nature is very reassuring to women in labour, and she’s very competent in conducting home deliveries.”
“Amanda always has a smile,” added Cheryl Cole. “She will always put patients first, even if it means going home late, and she will always help you out. She can also always be relied on to bring cookies to meetings!”
Anna Dodd, Midwifery Team Lead, said:
“Amanda is an outstanding Midwife, entirely sound in practice and totally committed to the welfare of our women. She delivers the highest quality of care to all the ladies she comes into contact with, but not only that, she fully appreciates and understands the ‘wider picture’ of what is required to help our maternity unit run efficiently and safely.
“To see Amanda come on shift just brings a smile! Her skill, experience and reliability is very much appreciated. Amanda gets on with the job in hand no matter how trying the situation or circumstances. Thank you Amanda, you are greatly valued!”
Aimee Adams, seconds this:
“I think Amanda embodies traditional midwifery. She is a brilliant team player, organised and always willing to pitch in.”
Sue Wilkins, Head of Midwifery, who presented the awards along with Greg Dix, said:
“We can’t over-empathise how difficult it was to choose each winner. There were so many nominations in each category; it could have gone to any of our staff.”
“Each and every one of our nurses, midwives and care assistants deserve to be praised for the amazing work that they do, each and every day,” adds Greg. “This International Nurses Day, we hope that you will join us in thanking them all.”
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the winner of the Health/Maternity Care Assistant of the Year will be announced at a later date.
