Volunteer Nurse Practitioner and teacher Peter Mackereth has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for his patients and colleagues over his long career.
Dame Betty Kershaw, a retired nurse, Professor of Nursing and colleague of Peter explains why he is such a deserving winner.
“Peter trained as a nurse in the 1970’s and by 1991 was completing what was one of the first nursing doctorate studies on complementary therapies at The University of Manchester and Tameside Hospital. Once completed he moved to The Christie Hospital Manchester setting up a multi disciplinary team to provide complementary therapies to patients and their families. He held an Honorary professorship at Salford university teaching students and trained professionals.
“Peter trained his team to offer massage, relaxation, reflexology and other non invasive therapies and developed the service to include relatives and set up a separate service for patients and their families who were facing cancer alongside a dementia diagnosis. This service was offered to outpatients as a weekly meeting involving specialists in dementia care as well.
“Peter began to write for nursing journals and became well respected as a speaker and author. He has lectured across the world as well as in the UK, most recently in Japan and South America. Online teaching continues after retirement a few years ago when he started to volunteer at our local Moya Cole Hospice. He continues to externally examine for the courses he set up with Christie and the local universities.”
Peter reacted to winning his Cavell Star Award.
“Edith Cavell has always been a hero to me, so I was really moved and somewhat overwhelmed to receive this prestigious award! The Cavell Star Award has provided a moment to stop and reflect on my development and understanding of what it is to care for others, since starting my nurse training back in 1976.
“Nursing is an amazing career and so diverse in its practice. I’ve had the privilege to work in a variety of settings, with an array of staff.
“Over the 49 years of practice I have always been struck by nursing colleagues who not only provide excellent patient care but also support carers and take the time to teach and support our nursing students. In reality, we have days that can be challenging but the teamwork helps me and others to stay resilient and appreciate each other.
“I am also reminded to stay curious, work on being present for others, take time for self-care, as well as being grateful for the teamwork that happens everyday at the Moya Cole Hospice.”