Today, in support of International Nurses Day, we were proud to be involved with University Hospitals Bristol’s Nursing and Midwifery Awards which recognises those outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond for patients in our hospitals.

During the celebratory afternoon, six different awards were presented to worthy winners who demonstrated dedication and compassion in all aspects of their work including Elizabeth Hopkins, winner of our Above & Beyond Award. Lizzy, a nurse on Ward A602 in Bristol Royal Infirmary, was nominated by her peers for developing and implementing a care plan to improve the oral hygiene of patients. This will ultimately help to reduce chest infections and identify mouth conditions sooner.

This year also saw the launch of the long service award for nurses and midwives which has been funded by Above & Beyond. A badge was awarded by Carolyn Mills, Chief Nurse on behalf of the Trust in recognition and appreciation of the individual nurses’ dedication and commitment to nursing at University Hospitals Bristol. The design of the long service badge is based on the nurse’s hospital badge launched last year and designed by nurses from the Trust. The long service badge will be identified through colour and years services; blue – five years; bronze – 10 years; silver – 20 years; and gold – 30 years.

Speaking about the Awards, Sarah Talbot-Williams, CEO of Above & Beyond said: “Above & Beyond is always so proud to be a part of the Nursing and Midwifery Awards which recognises those inspirational individuals who strive to provide outstanding patient care, affect change and improve services and facilities in our hospitals.”

The awards were presented by Ebony Rainford-Brent, World Cup winner, BBC Test Match special pundit and director of Surrey Women’s Cricket, who spoke about how to remain positive and focused in the face of obstacles.

Huge congratulations to all the winners:

Above & Beyond Nursing and Midwifery Award – Elizabeth Hopkins, registered nurse, ward A602, Bristol Royal Infirmary

Nursing / Midwifery Assistant of the Year – Beth Melksham, nursing assistant, ward D603,

Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre Nursing and Midwifery Team Award – Ward C808 nursing team, Bristol Heart Institute

Rising Star Award – Deb Marriage, paediatric respiratory and allergy clinical nurse specialist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children

Inspirational Leader Award – Salena Williams, team manager, liaison psychiatry, medicine division Register

Nurse / Midwife of the Year - Florence Manyika, paediatric immunology nurse specialist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children