NHS awards ceremony makes stars of retiring nurses Christine and Carol
TWO retiring New Forest nurses have received lifetime achievement awards in Southern Heath NHS Foundation Trust’s annual Star Awards.
They were former Fordinbridge mayoress Christine Lewendon, a staff nurse at Fordingbridge Hospital; and Dr Carol Bailey, a consultant nurse at Tatchbury Mount, Calmore.
Southern Health’s chief executive, Nick Broughton, hosted the event at the Winchester Guildhall. This year there were over 630 nominations by staff, patients, service users, families and members of the public with 61 shortlisted across 10 categories.
He said: “Every nomination is a reflection of the passion, hard work and commitment our staff provide to the people they support every day.
“I continue to be proud to lead an organisation with such a passionate workforce that is committed to delivering the best possible care to those who use our services.”
Christine was nominated by Christen Guy who said she had worked full time in the NHS for over 40 years and been a staff nurse on Ford Ward, Fordingbridge Hospital, for 19 years where she will be returning to help in her retirement.
Her citation read: “Chris is a valuable member of the team and supportive to everyone. She is the falls link lead nurse and is to continue when she returns. She is a font of knowledge regarding this role and procedures.
“Chris is an avid knitter and in her own time will do projects for the ward for example fidget blankets for our dementia patients. Chris has been a mentor for students and as good role model has patience and understanding and always willing to impart her knowledge.
“Outside of work she was a mayoress of Fordingbridge and was proactive in arranging and promoting Ford ward in the community. We are sad to see her retire but glad she is coming back to continue on Ford Ward.”
Dr Bailey was wished all the best for her retirement after 35 years that began by qualifying as a learning disability nurse in 1984 and working within the NHS learning disability services since.
She had undertaken many roles in learning disabilities also working for the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a fitness to practice panellist, Care Quality Commission specialist advisor, and undertaking the clinical reviewer role for care and treatment reviews.
Carol joined Southern Health as divisional senior nurse then consultant nurse in 2013, and was also the clinical services director in Hampshire for two years.
Nominated by Nicky Macdonald, her citation read: “Carol has contributed to the development of learning disability nursing nationally and locally through research, publishing, networking and contributing to policy change and implementation.
“Carol's ability to get to the nub of the issue, articulate it, gain support from her colleagues and see things through to completion has led to her being a driving force for change within the services.”
It added: “Nothing is too much trouble, she will make time to support staff to develop ideas, implement plans and evaluate through to publishing work. Staff have benefited from Carol's extensive knowledge, skills and ability to bring out the best in people. “
Also based at Tatchbury Mount is Hayley Smith, the winner of the Respecting Others Award, voted by staff. A people development administrator, Hayley was nominated by Claire Watts.
Her citation read: “Hayley has been a fantastic support since she came in to her role. She deals with all requests quickly, professionally and always with a sense of calm and humour. She treats all our partners with respect and has developed a sound knowledge of our programmes.”
It added: “Nothing is too much trouble and handles requests with ease and professionalism. She is so bubbly and is always willing to help others. She always has a big smile on her face and always makes the office a happy place.”
