A midwife at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has received the Trust's first DAISY Award in recognition of the exceptional care and compassion she showed to a patient and her family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Paula-Jane Lewis was nominated by patient Alex Bowsher, who is also a member of staff at the Trust, after Paula cared for her when she went into premature labour while at work.
In her nomination, Alex described Paula as an “absolute hero” and praised the kindness, reassurance and support she provided to both her and her family.
“I wanted to make sure that I shared my appreciation for the incredible midwife who cared for us during what has undoubtedly been the most difficult experience of our lives.
“Paula provided hugs and comfort during some of the most difficult conversations imaginable, while also supporting my parents when they witnessed the crash team run into my room. Her compassion extended far beyond the clinical care she provided.
“Paula advocated for me throughout, gave me reassurance and allowed me the space to grieve, cry and process what was happening.”
Alex went on to describe the support Paula provided following the heartbreaking decision, made on medical advice, to withdraw care from her baby, William.
“She was an absolute hero in our eyes. I will never forget the kindness she showed us.”
Speaking after the presentation, Paula said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received a DAISY Award, and honestly, it came as a complete shock.
“To know that I was nominated by Alex, Jack and their wider family makes this award even more meaningful. Especially to be recognised by a family during one of their most heartbreaking and difficult times of their lives is something I will never ever take for granted. Their nomination means more than they will ever know. I will treasure it forever.”
Chief Nurse Kelly McGovern, who presented the award to Paula, said: "Paula’s nomination is a powerful example of the extraordinary compassion and care our midwives provide every day. During a family’s most devastating moments, she offered not only exceptional clinical care but also kindness, compassion, dignity and unwavering support. The difference she made will never be forgotten, and we are incredibly proud to recognise her with a DAISY Award.”
The DAISY Awards recognise nurses and midwives who make an exceptional difference to the experiences of patients and their families through outstanding and compassionate care.
The awards were established in the United States in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died from complications of an autoimmune disease. His family created the DAISY Foundation and its awards programme in recognition of the extraordinary nursing care Patrick received during his illness.
Today, the DAISY Award is an internationally recognised programme celebrating exceptional nursing and midwifery care.
Anyone who has experienced outstanding care from a nurse or midwife at West Herts can nominate them for a DAISY Award by completing the DAISY Award nomination form.