The latest recipients of the Isabella Kimmett Compassionate Care Award have been announced, with three members of staff from NHS Ayrshire & Arran honoured.
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.
The award winners all demonstrated highly compassionate and person-centred care through their various and diverse roles working for the health board.
- Keith Allan, a staff nurse within elderly mental health who regularly goes “above and beyond” for his patients in Marchburn Ward at East Ayrshire Community Hospital, as well as their families and his colleagues. Keith was recognised for the exceptional care he provides both within and outside of his working hours as he regularly gives his own time to attend to the gardens, put up decorations and visit the ward when he is off duty.
- Louise Taylor, a health visiting support worker based at Galston Health Clinic, who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to her team and the babies and families she helps to support. Louise spends extra time with new mums who may be struggling with exhaustion and with their mental health to help build their confidence and let them know they aren’t alone. She also gives her own time to help source baby equipment for families in need.
- Natalie Bowie Natalie is Clinical Team Lead for District Nursing at Ailsa Hospital. She was recognised for the care, compassion, empathy and kindness she demonstrates towards her patients and their families, some of whom are struggling with a recent palliative diagnosis or long term conditions. Natalie also provides support to her team of approximately 20 staff and continually drives change to improve services, tirelessly working for her patients and her team.
Keith and Louise were presented their awards by Jacqueline Thomson, daughter of the late Isabella Kimmett. Unfortunately Natalie was not able to attend. NHS Ayrshire & Arran Nursing Director Jennifer Wilson was also present and congratulated each of the recipients. She said:
“Here at NHS Ayrshire & Arran we endeavour to embed the principles of compassion and person-centred care in all of our services; each of these staff members exemplifies these core characteristics and I applaud them for the valuable contribution they make to our organisation and the lives of local patients and their families. These Isabella Kimmett Compassionate Care Awards are well deserved and my congratulations and heartfelt thanks go to each of the worthy recipients.”
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.