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Children's nurses honoured by Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Prince Harry pays tribute to 'devoted children's nurses and volunteers across the UK'

Prince Harry pays tribute to 'devoted children's nurses and volunteers across the UK'


WellChild team award winners with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

A children’s community nursing team from Winchester was among specialists to be honoured for their 'selfless care' at the 2018 WellChild Awards.

The team, part of the children’s community nursing service run by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was nominated for the team award by the parents of children they care for and a consultant paediatrician for being 'a small intimate team whose hearts are with their patients and their families'.

At this week's ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, the team met the charity's patron, the Duke of Sussex who was accompanied by the Duchess of Sussex.

Support group

A children's nurse who developed a support group for the families of seriously ill young people was also recognised.

Paediatric diabetes clinical nurse specialist Geraldine Phillips, who works at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, received the nurse award.


Geraldine Phillips (centre right) receiving her award with Gaby Roslin,
Ed Chamberlin, Georgia May Foote and Matt Allwright.

Ms Phillips started out as a single-handed nurse covering a large clinic population and soon set up a support group for families, and organised an annual activities weekend.

She said: ‘My motivation for what I do is to make sure these children have the support, although it’s not paid for 24-hours-a-day care, I don’t want any of my families to feel they are in dire straits and I’m not there to support them.’

The children’s charity awards also recognises achievements of volunteers, carers, and children and young people with serious illnesses.

RELATED: WellChild award winners

Speaking at the awards, Prince Harry praised the families of the seriously ill children and added: ‘I would also like to pay tribute to the devoted nurses and volunteers across the UK who help give children and young people living with serious illness, or exceptional health needs – a chance to be cared for at home instead of hospital.’ 

WellChild’s director of programmes and panel judge Linda Partridge said: ‘All the panel members are moved by the bravery of the children, the stories of selfless care and support and the dedication of the doctors, nurses, teachers, brothers and sisters who make a great difference to the lives of seriously ill children and young people.’


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