St Richard’s Hospice has been shortlisted in the cancer nursing category of the prestigious 2015 Nursing Times Awards.
The shortlisted project is centred on helping student nurses be the best that they can be when caring for patients and their loved ones at the end of life.
The project involves two day tailor-made courses for up to 20 student nurses and clinical placements across the organisation.
Vanessa Gibson, St Richard’s Hospice Community Nursing Services Manager said, “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in such a highly regarded awards programme. We recognise that as specialist community nurses we can do more to support and influence nurses of the future and therefore ensure more patients receive a skilled palliative approach. Our project has a direct impact on the way students work each day. They leave the project with enhanced confidence, knowledge and practical skills.”
Vanessa Gibson added, “Each student group has raised fears and anxieties which we are able to address in a supportive way, putting the students in a more confident position when they meet these situations, therefore enhancing care for patients and families. Students within the mental health area have particularly valued the opportunity to explore end of life issues for their patient groups. This project was a great team effort across the organisation with departments willingly contributing much time and effort.”
The ongoing project is run in partnership with the University of Worcester.
The judges described the project as an ‘outstanding achievement’ and demonstrated that end of life care is everyone’s business.”
The Nursing Times Awards has had a record-breaking year for entries and the judges were extremely impressed with the high standard. From 823 entries, 152 organisations’ have been judged to be the best in the nursing profession.
The shortlisted organisations will now complete presentations and interviews to a specific judging panel made up of senior and influential figures from the health sector. These include:
• Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer England
• Teresa Shaw, Chief Executive, Foundation of Nursing Studies
• Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Director of Nursing, Health Education England
• Ben Thomas, Professional Adviser for Mental Health & Learning Disability Nursing, Department of Health
The Nursing Times Awards represents true excellence in nursing and patient care, bringing together the best of the industry for a glittering evening of recognition, celebration and networking. With 20 categories, the coveted awards cover a wide range of achievements within the nursing profession.
The winners of the 2015 Nursing Times Awards will be announced at the prestigious ceremony on 12 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.