New Year’s honours: Nurses’ achievements recognised

Two top healthcare professionals among 19 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants recognised for their work  

Two leading nurses have been made dames in the New Year's honours in recognition of their services to the profession.

Nurse-trained University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Jackie Daniel was made a dame.

She was among 19 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants recognised for their work in fields including cancer care, end of life care and general practice nurse education.

‘Reflects exceptional teamwork’

Dame Jackie said: ‘I am humbled and honoured to have received this. 

‘It reflects the exceptional teamwork and support I have had in current and previous roles.

‘It is a privilege to lead in the NHS. I have loved every moment since beginning as a nurse cadet in Yorkshire.’

The Care Quality Commission praised Morecambe in June for its successful reversal in fortunes, going from special measures to good. The inspectorate praised the communication between staff and the chief executive.

Also made a dame was Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief nurse Hilary Chapman.

‘Such a privilege’

Dame Hilary, who received her honour for services to nursing, said: ‘This is the most amazing honour and such a privilege. I have only been able to achieve the things I have because I have worked with incredible teams throughout my career.

‘A good nurse and leader is shaped by those that he or she works alongside and are inspired by.

‘I have been fortunate to work with some of the best both locally and nationally. Nursing and midwifery is a fantastic career and the opportunities for nurses now have never been more varied or exciting.'

Dame Hilary co-led on the Safer Nursing Care Toolkit, which is now used widely in the UK to determine safe nurse staffing levels on acute wards.

Praise for ‘unsung hero’

Former Royal College of Midwives chief executive Cathy Warwick also received a damehood, while NHS England director of nursing Hilary Garratt was made a CBE.

Ms Garratt, who received her honour services to nursing and the safeguarding of vulnerable people, was praised as an ‘unsung hero' by England’s chief nursing officer Jane Cummings.

Ms Garratt’s own reaction was one of surprise and she paid tribute to all those who have been involved in NHS England’s safeguarding work.

She said: ‘I am passionate about bringing people and organisations together to protect vulnerable children and adults.

‘It’s been a privilege to work closely with a range of inspiring people, including those with a lived experience of these issues.’

‘Absolutely surreal’

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust director of midwifery and deputy chief nurse Wendy Matthews was one of two nurses to be made an OBE.

Ms Matthews said: ‘It’s absolutely surreal as there so many deserving people out there. I started out as a nurse and I still love it, but midwifery has always been my passion.

‘I enjoy the partnership we as midwives have with women when they’re giving birth, and no one forgets the midwife who delivered their baby. We are honoured to be there.’

Former RCNi finallist honoured

A former RCNi Nurse Awards student award finallist from 2011 was also on the honours list.

Neo-Innovations UK Ltd managing director Neomi Bennett was recognised for her services to nursing and healthcare with a British Empire Medal.

Ms Bennett once appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den programme with her invention the Neo Slip, which is used to help those with deep vein thrombosis who need to wear embolism stockings.

‘Incredibly proud of achievements’

England’s chief nurse, professor Cummings expressed her delight by the number of healthcare professionals who appeared in the honour's list.

‘I am delighted the significant work and amazing impact nurses and midwives have across the health and care system has again been recognised in today’s New Year’s honours.

‘I am also incredibly proud of what nurses and midwives have achieved over the last 12 months, despite the challenges faced, and I look forward to working with them all in 2018.’

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