Lindsay Howie, Community Nurse, and Julie Gibson, Healthcare Support Worker, have been awarded the Isabella Kimmett Compassionate Care Award at a ceremony on Wednesday 7 June.
The Isabella Kimmett Compassionate Care Award is awarded twice a year, and celebrates nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, GP and care home staff who have shown compassionate care qualities.
Lindsay Howie was nominated by the husband of one of her patients, who wanted to thank her for her support and compassion in caring for his wife as she neared the end of her life. Lindsay was recognised for not only caring for her patient, but ensuring the family were looked after too. Her support and communication with other agencies helped to make a difficult situation bearable.
Julie Gibson was nominated by a colleague, who wanted to recognise her hard work and initiative in developing the garden for Dunure Ward, Ailsa Hospital. Working with patients and other colleagues, Julie designed and created a tranquil place for patients to relax and spend some quiet time. On a recent visit, the Mental Welfare Commission described it as “the best garden they had seen in the country”.
Jacqueline Thomson, daughter of the late Isabella Kimmett, presented the awards, along with Jennifer Wilson, Executive Nurse Director. Jennifer said: “NHS Ayrshire & Arran strives to provide a compassionate and person-centred approach to care and I am delighted to hear this is reflected in the care given by both Lindsay and Julie.
“I am delighted to present these awards in recognition of the work that they have done and continue to do. It is appreciated by so many across the organisation.”
If you know someone who deserves to be awarded for the quality of their compassionate care, you can nominate them by emailing compassionatecareaward@aapct.scot.nhs.uk and asking for a nomination form. We are happy to take nominations from patients, family members and colleagues.