Awards for extraordinary nurses and midwives in Letterkenny University Hospital

Three outstanding nurses/midwives from Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been acknowledged for the meaningful difference they make in their patients' lives.

At a ceremony in the hospital yesterday Ann Browne, Ann McLaughlin and Brenda Sandilands were chosen to receive a “DAISY Award” after being nominated by co-workers and patients. The DAISY award is a new initiative in LUH but the programme itself was established by an international not-for-profit organisation, the DAISY Foundation.

The foundation aims to recognise the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients all over the world. The awards are in memory of J Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 in Washington, USA.

Bonnie Barnes, Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation said, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognised for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses and midwives at Letterkenny University Hospital are called on to do every day epitomises the spirit of The DAISY Award.”

Ann, Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Paediatrics, Emergency Department, was nominated by her colleagues in the Emergency Department for her transformational leadership, knowledge and unwavering dedication to exceptional patient care in setting up a new paediatric pathway in the Emergency Department. Her nomination story commended her kindness to patients, parents and staff alike. Ann’s colleagues were grateful for the commitment, enthusiasm and support she demonstrates daily and felt that these qualities were integral to the success of the new service in the Emergency Department

Anne McLaughlin, Staff Nurse, Paediatric Ward, was nominated by a member of the public for the compassionate care received by his daughter on a number of admissions to the Paediatric Unit during a serious illness. He was grateful for the patient-centred care Anne provided to his daughter and described her as “an excellent member of staff and a credit to the ward”

Brenda Sandilands, Staff Nurse the infusion Unit, was nominated by a patient for both the skilful care given during bi-monthly visits to the Infusion Unit and the compassion she demonstrated when her nominator received some devastating news whilst in the Infusion Unit. Her kindness and the fact that she ‘really cares’ about her patients were commended by her nominator.

Dr. Anne Drake, Director of Nursing in LUH said: “I am delighted that LUH is participating in the DAISY Award program and that we have a mechanism to demonstrate our appreciation and gratitude for our exceptional nurses and midwives. Our nurses and midwives go above and beyond every day in challenging environments and make a profound impact on patient experience. I want to congratulate Ann, Anne and Brenda for their awards which are richly deserved.”

Anne is encouraging the public to get involved, “DAISY awards are an ongoing initiative in LUH, throughout the year we will be selecting more recipients for the awards and nominations are now open for the next phase. I would encourage anyone who was had a positive nursing and or midwifery experience in LUH to nominate their nurse or midwife, we would love to hear from the public, patients and families about what we mean to you.”