Mayflor Bernal, Patient Safety Lead Nurse at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust had won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her colleagues.
Colleague and Lead Rheumatology Specialist Nurse Ann Cabanting explained why Mayflor deserved her award.
“Mayflor is the current chair of the Workforce Race Equality Staff Network (WREN) at the Trust and monitored the network on the WhatsApp group 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during the uncivil demonstrations in August 2024. She directed the members, based on their needs, to the appropriate person. Mayflor arranged transportation to ensure the staff’s safety, provided pastoral support to the members of the BAME network, and supported ward managers using examples of best practices on how to support their team members.
“Mayflor is actively working in collaboration with the People’s Promise Lead, the Workforce Health and Well-Being Advisory Team, the EDI team, UNISON, and NMC, providing feedback to influence local and national teams to retain staff in the workforce. This collaborative effort not only enhances recruitment but also fosters a supportive environment that encourages staff retention. By engaging with various stakeholders, Mayflor ensures that the needs and well-being of healthcare professionals are prioritised, ultimately benefiting the entire healthcare system.
“Mayflor’s championing of equality and leadership makes the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust the best place to work.”
Mayflor reacted to winning her Cavell Star Award.
“It came as a huge surprise! I am deeply honoured. You don’t know how much it means to me to be a recipient of a Cavell Star Award. I was just doing what I think is right without expectations. I will be forever grateful.
“My nursing team is like my second family. They are a group of skilled professionals whose values I share. And because a nursing career offers opportunities for growth that can be used to touch people’s lives, I will continue to advocate for the nursing profession.”