Two Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) nurses have been awarded international DAISY Awards in recognition of the lasting difference they have made to the lives of patients and families through their compassionate care and dedication.
The DAISY Awards are an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the exceptional care that many nurses and midwives provide every day.
Zang Irene Jem, also known as ‘Irene’, works as a mental health nurse at the Bradgate Unit’s Heather ward. She was nominated for the positive impact her compassionate and person-centred care had on a patient and their family.
The nomination, from her patient, highlighted how Irene took the time to listen without judgement, treated them as a person rather than just a patient, and provided encouragement and hope during a difficult admission. The patient described Irene as a professional, consistent and deeply compassionate nurse whose support helped them feel heard, respected and more positive about the future. The nomination concluded that Irene represents the very best of nursing care.
Cheryl Gillott, an ADHD nurse specialist, was also recognised with a DAISY Award following a nomination highlighting the significant difference her care had made during a challenging time.
Cheryl was nominated by the mother of a young person she has supported for around eight years. The nomination praised Cheryl’s exceptional compassion, advocacy and dedication, highlighting the lasting impact she has had on both the patient’s wellbeing and the family’s journey.
Cheryl was recognised for her specialist understanding of ADHD, autism and mental health needs, her unwavering support during challenging periods, and her ability to make a vulnerable young person feel understood, valued and empowered. The nomination described her as a trusted source of guidance and reassurance who consistently went above and beyond to support the whole family.
Both Irene and Cheryl received their award from Jane Martin, assistant director for nursing and quality at LPT, accompanied by their colleagues and Josie Spencer, interim deputy chair of LPT.
Speaking about receiving the award, Irene said: “I feel truly honoured to have received a DAISY Award. It has been a deeply meaningful experience, both personally and professionally. Knowing that the compassionate, person-centred care I provided had such a positive impact on a patient and their family has been incredibly rewarding.”
Irene added: “This recognition has strengthened my commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care every day. It has boosted my confidence, motivated me to continue striving for excellence, and reinforced the value of the small acts of kindness that can make a lasting difference to patients. It has also inspired me to support and encourage my colleagues, share good practice, and continue developing my clinical expertise and leadership skills.”
Reflecting on receiving the honour, Cheryl said: “I am left feeling completely overwhelmed and humble. [I am] truly honoured and privileged to be recognised and incredibly appreciative to my patient and mother who felt my care made such a difference and took the time to nominate me. [I am also] thankful to be part of such an incredibly supportive team.”
Cheryl added: “It’s an honour to be a nurse and have a career with purpose, where every day has meaning. Knowing that even small acts of kindness, can have a lasting impact on someone; working as part of a supportive team that shares the same commitment to caring for others.”
You can thank your nurse by making a DAISY Award nomination here: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/about/daisy-award/
An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, The DAISY Foundation was formed in America in November 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalised profoundly touched his family.
You can find out more about the DAISY Foundation on their website: www.daisyfoundation.org/
Each DAISY Award honouree is recognised at a ceremony in their ward or department and receives a DAISY Award pin, certificate and a hand-carved sculpture A Healer’s Touch, funded by LPT’s charity Raising Health.