Two South west nurses finalists for the Claire Rayner - Patient’s Choice Award

Published: 17 January 2013

Two South West nurses have reached the final four nurses selected for the national Claire Rayner Patient’s Choice Award, organised by the publication Nursing Standard.

The four finalists were short-listed from more than 150 nominations recommended by the public and short listed by an expert panel of judges, including Nursing Standard editor in chief, Jean Gray, RCN Publishing managing director, Rhonda Oliver and Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association.

Teresa Smith, an epilepsy specialist nurse based in Musgrove hospital in Taunton, Somerset and Wendy Statter a district nurse at Penny’s Hill Practice in Ferndown, Dorset, were both nominated by the families of their patients for their excellent patient care and for the difference they have made to the lives of their patients.

Teresa Smith (Nurse C) and was nominated by a mother whose son was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 17. When Tim, was first diagnosed he lost his independence and his studies suffered as he struggled to come to terms with his condition. But six years Tim was transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital and the family met Teresa. ‘That’s when Tim’s life improved and we all felt better - not so alone,’ says Sylvia. With Teresa’s encouragement, Tim successfully applied to the Access to Work scheme and has also had his first real holiday for years, visiting Tuscany, where he was able to pursue one of his favourite hobbies, cooking. ‘She has changed our lives and Tim’s future, so must make such a difference to other families’ situations,’ says Sylvia.

Wendy Statter (Nurse D) is a district nurse and was nominated by a wife, who believes her husband would not be alive today were it not for the time and effort put in by Wendy and her team, Jenny O’Sullivan says: ‘They never gave up and the most amazing thing is that they reached my husband and gave him hope. He regained his sense of humour and the will to live.’ Wendy and her colleagues treated Michael’s leg ulcers and feet ischemia for eight months. ‘They gave unstintingly of themselves, their time and their skills in the most caring, but above all, unique and creative way,’ says Jenny.

Wendy and her team’s positive and holistic care made a huge difference to Michael and Jenny’s lives. When Michael went to see his consultant last January, his legs had healed so well that he was able to walk in, having previously been in a wheelchair. ‘This is what Wendy and her team achieved,’ says Jenny. ‘We owe everything to them.’

The two South West finalists will be joining the other two other national finalists, Ellie Hodge, a chemotherapy nurse at York Teaching Hospital and Steph Lawrence, team leader at Airedale Collaborative Care Team, in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

The winner of the award will be decided through a public vote, which closes on the 1 March, and will receive their award - which includes a prize of £500 - at a ceremony on 12 March 2013 at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.

Nursing Standard editor in chief, Jean Gray says: ‘Nurses are working in some of the most challenging circumstances, yet many go above and beyond their normal duties to help their patients. All four of our finalists demonstrate qualities that Claire Rayner would have applauded. Now we invite the public to have their say - and choose our ultimate winner.’

If you would like to vote and support our regional nurses by following the instructions below:

To vote:

• Visit: www.patients-choice.co.uk
• Call: 0845 653 0195 and select A, B, C or D
• Text: NURSE, followed by a space, then A, B, C or D to 81025. Texts are charged at your network’s usual rate.
And remember, voting closes on 1 March.