Kind-hearted nurse given 'Patient Hero' award for her remarkable care
A nurse who made a lasting impression on an anxious patient has been awarded a monthly Making a Difference Award after the patient took the time to praise her for her calmness and compassion.
The patient, who does not wish to be named, was cared for on Ward 301 at Royal Derby Hospital by nurse Smitha Philip and her colleagues after being admitted in the summer.
He said he was very anxious about his stay in the hospital but wanted to thank the staff for the great care he received, in particular Smitha.
In a nomination for the Patient Hero award he wrote: “I was recently an in-patient on Ward 301 and wish to first thank the hospital and all staff for the great care I received. On the Ward it is clear that the team functions very well together. They are knowledgeable, compassionate and caring.
“As a patient entering the ward I was not only very unwell, but also quite anxious about my care and how long I would be in hospital but it soon became clear that I would be at the centre of my care which gave me a higher level of assurance and belief that I would be well looked after and cared for during my stay.”
The patient was introduced to nurse Smitha Philip and was taken aback, watching how she interacted and cared for him and other patients.
He added: “Smitha was very professional and calm. She always made herself available for questions and it became clear to me that she put the patients as the most important part of the caring process.
“I was in the hospital for several days and had Smitha as my main carer during more shifts, my anxiety lessened in the knowledge that she had the knowledge and empathy to offer me great care. And that's what I received - great care.
“It is obvious to me that she is a very caring and kind nurse. Smitha demonstrated everything I would want from a nurse, knowledge, calmness and composure and I thank her for making my hospital experience a more positive one.”
Smitha was presented with her Making a Difference Award by Garry Marsh, Executive Chief Nurse, who said he was proud to see she demonstrated UHDB’s values of exceptional care.
Garry said: “It was great to see the lasting impact you made on a patient not just for the care you delivered to them but also for the care he observed you offering to others.
“You helped to ease his anxiety about being unwell and being in hospital and you have shown great compassion and also delivered on our values of exceptional care.
“Thank you for what you did for this patient and all patients. You really deserve this award and this recognition.”
Smitha said: “I am really surprised that someone has nominated me for this award but I am really pleased. It is nice to know that even when people are unwell or in pain that you can make a small difference to their time in hospital.”