The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has announced the launch of the DAISY Awards® programme for patients, families and colleagues to honour a nurse or midwife who has made a real difference to their care.
Launched on Friday 12 April, in time to recognise the first winner which will coincide with International Day of the Midwife (5 May) and International Nurses’ Day (12 May), the DAISY Awards® aim to shine the spotlight on nurses and midwives who go the extra mile to ensure that their patients receive high quality care and experiences.
The DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), an auto-immune disease.
The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired the family to create the awards programme to express their gratitude for the profound difference they made during a very distressing time.
Sharon McNally, chief nurse and deputy chief executive at PAHT, said: “We are encouraging patients, visitors and staff to nominate midwives and nurses as part of the DAISY Awards® programme throughout the year. Nominations can be made through the hospital’s dedicated website page.
“Each month, nominations are read and scored by the judging panel using a criteria that focuses on putting the patient at the heart of everything we do and aligns with our overarching vision, goals and values of the trust.
“Winners will be presented with a DAISY Awards® certificate, a beautiful hand carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture from Zimbabwe (pictured, bottom right), a pin badge, a copy of their nomination and a gift bag. They will then be eligible for numerous professional development, education and wellness benefits as part of the DAISY Awards® programme.
“I’m incredibly proud of the clinical and compassionate care that our nurses and midwives provide. This is a great platform to say a heartfelt thank you to exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and we look forward to awarding and recognising our first winner.”