Michael Tatterton, Director of Nursing at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice has won Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for his colleagues.
Care Services Director and colleague Heidi Hawkins explains why Michael is such a worthy winner.
“Michael has quite literally saved our hospice from closure. He has transformed the care we deliver, making our services safer and more reliable than they’ve ever been. He’s demonstrated a real commitment to our nurses and care support workers, creating development pathways for all of our care team, showing them that they’re valued and demonstrating his commitment to their career progression.
“We joke about Michael’s hospice heart, but it’s absolutely true. He’s so passionate about hospice care, about supporting families and giving families choice. On top of all that, he’s a really nice person – genuine and kind. He makes everyone feel like they matter and that’s because he really cares about people, whether that’s families, staff, volunteers or professionals we work with. He’s absolutely deserving of a Cavell Star Award. He sums up everything good you think about when you think of a nurse.”
Michael reacted to winning his award.
“I was speechless to win a Cavell Star Award! It means such a lot, particularly as it’s come from within the Care Team.
“I’ve always loved hospice nursing. The thing I love most about my hospice role is being in a senior leadership position, but still very much connected with the babies, children and young people, and their families who use the hospice, and with whole care team. That sense of connection has always been important to me, and an essential part of nursing.
“The Bluebell Wood care team is a group of very special people. There’s such diversity between us, with lots of skills, backgrounds and experience that contribute to the care we offer. What brings us together though is the commitment we share to get things right for children and families, whether that’s in the hospice, at home, or in our symptom management team. I’m very proud to be part of it.”