Ward Sister Lucinda Williams at Tewkesbury Community Hospital has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her patients.
Colleague and Service Director Dawn Allen explains why Lucinda is such a worthy winner,
“Through completion of the dementia training programme, Lucinda has developed a simple and easy ‘CARE’ tool to help inpatient staff better support people living with dementia in our care. She has trialed use of Wotsits crisps before meals as they melt in the mouth and help stimulate saliva which helps people to then eat a meal – simple changes like this are making a big difference.
“Lucinda is shy about her impact but I feels she demonstrates commitment to help patients, tenacity to try new things, implementation of ideas to make a real difference and vision to go beyond. She has done lots of work in her own time to achieve the changes and championed improved care for people with dementia on her ward. I’m so proud of her and this shows what creative nursing really is about and how the art and science of nursing can be applied in practice.”
Lucinda reacted to winning her Cavell Star Award,
“I was very shocked to receive this award! I am so touched that the time and effort has been taken to nominate and present me with it. My Mum had a little cry when I told her! She has since researched Edith Cavell and what a wonderful nurse she was. I shall wear my badge everyday with immense pride. I just want to try and do my very best for patients and families on the ward and the amazing team that I work with, so its very lovely to be recognised for this. I love my job as sister on the ward, I always try and go above and beyond for patients and staff.
“The dementia lead course is excellent and this inspired me to create this tool. The staff on Abbeyview ward have embraced this and are so enthusiastic to continue providing the best possible person centred care to all patients, not just people living with dementia. I know I’m biased but I think I work with the best team there is. The care we give as a whole team is incredible and this makes coming to work an absolute pleasure.
“I will continue to strive to promote enthusiasm, creative ways of working and best person-centred practice at all times. I cannot imagine being anything else in life other than a nurse!”