The entire team of ward nurses at LOROS Hospice have been awarded a prestigious Cavell Star for their exceptional care of patients during the Covid crisis.
Nominated by Tracey Hughes, Counselling and Bereavement Manager at LOROS, the team were singled out for their dedication, care and professionalism throughout the pandemic.
Tracey said: “It takes a special person to work in a hospice because they know they aren’t going to make people well, they are going to help patients’ end of life become more peaceful and dignified.
“Maybe that’s what people would expect but their personal investment in LOROS is something I have never seen in all my working years, it isn’t just a job, it’s a calling, they give 100% of themselves and they are a credit to their profession.”
Throughout the pandemic nursing staff on the LOROS ward put aside their personal anxieties to reach out to patients, who were no longer able to see their families in the normal way due to visitor restrictions. Despite the barriers of PPE, nurses became like the extended family of patients, holding their hands and providing comfort.
Tracey said: “The last video call to a husband as his wife lay dying was facilitated by a nurse who stayed with them both throughout. She was present at the most intimate part of the couple’s life as they said goodbye, knowing they would never speak again and that their life together would end when the video link did.
“That nurse did something that she was never trained for but she showed the care, compassion, the empathy and integrity of all the nurses and healthcare assistants that work at LOROS.” Unusually, the award has been made to all nurses and healthcare assistants who work with patients and their families on the LOROS Inpatient Ward. Cavell awards are normally made to individuals.
Katie Shepherd, a nurse at LOROS, said: “This is so lovely and I’m so proud. It’s such an incredible team and they’ve all worked so hard. We all share the same commitment to the patients and their families. It’s so nice to be recognised.”
Bob Gordon, whose daughter Hanya was cared for at LOROS in December, said: “The nurses here are really marvellous. It’s a well-deserved award. They couldn’t do enough for us and really put the patients first.”
John Knight, CEO at LOROS, said: “We’re so proud of our nursing team. Their care is what makes LOROS the special place it is. During these very challenging times the whole hospice has pulled together to support patients on the Ward and this award is testament to that fantastic team work.”
The Cavell Star Awards is a national programme to recognise nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who shine bright and show exceptional care to colleagues, patients or their families.
