Two nurses at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) have been recognised for the outstanding patient care they give and the support they provide for colleagues by Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England.
Francina Mushaninga, matron on a care of the elderly ward, and Victoria Andrews, lead nurse for practice development, have each been awarded a Chief Nursing Officer’s Silver Award. They heard the surprise announcement when Ruth May appeared via video link at a special event during PAHT’s virtual staff recognition programme at the end of September.
On Thursday, 19 November, Francina and Victoria were formally presented with their awards by Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals, at a socially distanced ceremony at The Princess Alexandra Hospital. Also in attendance were Sarah Webb, deputy director of nursing and midwifery, and June Barnard, associate director of nursing for medicine, who nominated Victoria and Francina for their awards.
An extract from Francina’s nomination reads: “Fran is dedicated and committed to providing the highest standards of care to our patients, specifically those who are frail and elderly. Fran has continuously driven improvements in the areas for which she is responsible. She has an amazing ability to reach and support families, often in very difficult circumstances.”
Francina said: “I am truly humbled to accept this award, a huge thank you to my senior leadership team for nominating me. I would also like to acknowledge my amazing nursing colleagues, the leadership within the trust and all of our support services who have supported me to achieve this award. Thank you so much.”
Additionally, an extract from Victoria’s nomination reads: “Over the last 18 months, Victoria has undertaken the role of lead nurse for practice development, leading an expanded team in addressing a number of key challenges for nursing and midwifery across PAHT and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the way she has role modelled an adaptive, innovative approach in adopting new ways of working. These included supporting 185 overseas nurses through the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) programme with a 100% pass rate.”
Victoria said: “When I heard the announcement, I was shocked and surprised. I wasn’t expecting to win an award.
“I am privileged to work in a role where I can be so involved in so many different things and can make a difference.
“There are so many different elements of my role – supporting our international colleagues when they arrive, supporting our newly registered staff, development of practice and raising standards, to name a few. I love all of the aspects of the role and the award is a great honour to receive.”
Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, added: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to formally present Francina and Victoria with their CNO Silver Awards.
“I am extremely proud of Francina and Victoria for this amazing achievement – thank you for the outstanding care you give to our patients and the support you give to our people.”