Nursing and midwifery students are blooming marvellous following DAISY awards

Two University of Northampton students have received awards at a recent health conference for the “outstanding” care they have given to patients.

Stacey Francis, a Year 1 Adult Nursing student and Hollie Townley, third year Midwifery student (pictured above with her award), received the prestigious ‘DAISY in Training Award’ at Northampton General Hospital’s annual nursing and midwifery conference.

Stacey received feedback from her mentor for her enthusiastic commitment to nursing and, in the words of Practice Development Nurse Ashley Gayton, for loving every minute she is involved in the caring for patients.

Hollie was commended by Practice Development Midwife Sarah Coiffait for her providing “outstanding” levels care that included always working closely with patients to ensure they fully understand their care plans and for always demonstrating best practice.

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) award was created in the US in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes following his death from complications of an auto-immune disease. The award marks the appreciation Patrick’s family had for the care and compassion shown to him and his family.

Commenting on her award, Stacey said: “I’m still very overwhelmed at receiving this award, because I don’t think I did anything out of the ordinary. I feel really proud that my achievements have been recognised with the DAISY Training Award and I’m really excited about my future as a nurse.”

Hollie added: “I felt completely shocked and overwhelmed to receive a DAISY award. To be presented with it in front of past and present colleagues made me reflect on my journey up to this point which filled me with such pride.

“Being a student midwife and supporting women at such an intimate time is a privilege in itself, we all work so hard because we truly care about the women we support. It can be extremely challenging at times so it’s a lovely feeling hearing the word ‘thank you’ and also receive an award.”

Donna Bray, Nursing Subject Lead at University of Northampton, echoed their thoughts: “Well done to Stacey and Hollie for their splendid achievements.

“It’s heart-warming and with a touch of pride to hear of the continuing, excellent patient care our student nurses are providing.”

Carolyn Fox, Director of nursing, midwifery and patient services at Northampton General Hospital echoed their views: “This is the first time we have expanded the DAISY awards to included students and the feedback from mentors and academics was overwhelming that they should be awarded to Hollie and Stacey.

“With student nurses like these, we know patient care at Northampton General is in safe hands”.

Northampton General Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the UK to introduce the DAISY Award to celebrate the skilful, compassionate care nurses and midwives provide every day.”

For more about nursing courses at the University of Northampton, see our website.

Visit the DAISY Foundation website for more information about their awards.