A nurse who works in Torbay Hospital’s Emergency Department was honoured recently with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
The award is part of the international DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognise the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care that is provided for patients and families every day.
The recipient, Christina Harrison, was nominated by Matron, James Merrell. James described Christina as “someone who consistently demonstrates a caring and compassionate attitude towards all patients within the Emergency Department, remaining non-judgmental and always putting the Trust values into action. Christina demonstrates true professionalism, compassion and courage as well as the core values that underpin nursing practice.”
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee to receive The DAISY Award and awards are normally presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by colleagues, patients, and visitors.
Each award winner receives a certificate commending them as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Award winners also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
Chief Nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Deborah Kelly, said: “We are proud to be among healthcare organisations internationally participating in The DAISY Award programme. Nurses are heroes every day, and it’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Christina who is a very worthy recipient. Christina’s work is appreciated greatly by colleagues and patients alike.”
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 and the care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Bonnie Barnes, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation states, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
