Patients, families and carers are being invited to recognise outstanding nurses and midwives at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust through a new international awards programme launching on 22 September 2026.
The Trust is introducing the DAISY Award, an internationally recognised programme that celebrates nurses and midwives who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, skilled and exceptional care.
The award gives patients and their loved ones the opportunity to thank those who have made a difference during their healthcare journey by sharing their personal stories and experiences.
Each year, twelve nurses and midwives from West Herts will receive a DAISY Award, while every nominee will be recognised for the impact they have made on patients and families.
The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who received extraordinary nursing care before his death in 1999. Today, the programme operates in thousands of healthcare organisations worldwide, recognising the vital role nurses and midwives play in supporting patients through some of life's most challenging moments.
Chief Nurse, Kelly McGovern said:
"Our nurses and midwives make an extraordinary difference to patients and their families every single day. Whether through exceptional clinical care, compassion during difficult times or simply taking the time to listen, they have a profound impact on people's lives.
"We are delighted to bring the internationally recognised DAISY Award to West Herts. It provides patients, families and carers with a meaningful way to recognise those who have gone above and beyond and to celebrate the incredible dedication of our nursing and midwifery colleagues."
Patients, families and carers can nominate any registered nurse or midwife working at West Herts, including ward nurses, specialist nurses and midwives involved in their care.
Nominations can be submitted online or by completing a paper form available at Trust sites.
For more information or to make a nomination from 22 September, visit the Trust website or contact the DAISY Award team at westherts.
Notes to editors
About the DAISY Foundation
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family after the compassionate care he received from nurses during his illness. DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The foundation's mission is to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care nurses provide every day.
All nominations will be reviewed by a dedicated DAISY Award nomination committee, with recipients selected based on the stories shared by patients, relatives and carers.
Each DAISY Award winner will receive:
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A certificate featuring the patient's nomination story
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A hand-carved "Healer's Touch" sculpture
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A public award presentation in their workplace
All nominees will also receive a DAISY pin badge in recognition of their nomination.
For further information please contact communications.