A deputy ward sister at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has received an international DAISY Award after being nominated by a parent who praised her thoughtful, compassionate care and support for their family.
The DAISY Awards are an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the exceptional care that many nurses and midwives provide every day.
Claire Armistead works as a deputy ward sister at the Beacon Unit, LPT’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Inpatient Service, and was nominated for the positive impact her compassionate, person-centred care had on a young person and their family during an incredibly difficult period in their lives.
The nomination reads: “Claire has been the most thoughtful and caring nurse for my daughter. Not only has she tried to understand everything about my daughter, she has also given her time to myself, as a parent.
“She has supported me through an horrific journey. She has called me and spoken with me whenever I needed. I have been through a dark place, but she has always made me feel heard and understood. She has emotionally supported myself and my daughter.
“She has gone above and beyond and we will never forget what she has done for us. I really hope she receives the DAISY Award. She needs to be awarded and recognised for her amazing care throughout the most horrendous journey of my family’s life.”
Claire received her award from Jane Martin, associate director for nursing and quality, and Melanie Hall, non-executive director at LPT.
Claire shared: “Receiving a DAISY Award was a very special and meaningful moment for me. Nursing has always been about much more than completing the clinical aspects of my role; for me, it is about making people feel heard, valued, safe and cared for, particularly during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“This award means a great deal to me and is a reminder of why I chose nursing and why I continue to give my best every day.”
Claire added: “[Receiving the award] reminded me that the small things we do, such as taking time to listen, showing kindness, advocating for someone or simply being there when someone is struggling, can have a significant impact.”
Speaking about her team, Claire said: “I feel incredibly proud to be part of the team at the Beacon Unit. We support each other through difficult days, celebrate each other’s successes and continually strive to provide the best possible outcome. There is a real sense of teamwork, and I feel fortunate to work alongside colleagues who genuinely care about the young people, their families and each other.”
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.