Sam worked as a dental nurse after leaving school but soon felt she had more to give,
“I wanted to do something that made more of a difference to people’s lives” says Sam “I’ve always been a caring person, so nursing seemed perfect.
“So I challenged myself to go to university and study. I was the first person in my family to go to Uni and I seem to have inspired them as six of them now work in the NHS!”
After qualifying as a nurse 15 years ago, Sam worked for a decade on acute admissions wards for surgical assessments. She then moved to the community night service being on call and looking after people in their own homes.
She secured a nursing role in the Physical health team at a mental health inpatient unit in Blackpool and has recently been promoted to the position of Physical Health lead nurse.
“We deal with wound care, long term conditions and medical emergencies” says Sam “We’re there as a support system for the mental health nursing team to help keep patients safe.
“I love the nursing team atmosphere, they’re like a second family to me. You’re always under pressure, even without the Covid-19 pandemic, so everyone builds up strong, supportive relationships to be there for the patients, they are at the heart of what we do.”
In her spare time Sam makes insulated covers which are handed out by a local charity to homeless people. She recycles foil crisp packets by washing, drying and ironing them together to make waterproof and insulating covers to wrap around sleeping bags and blankets. Each cover takes 150 crisp packets and 5 hours to make.
“I’ve got various wards collecting crisp packets” says Sam “As well as bundles of them arriving through the post from all over the UK. I’m known as the Crisp Packet Lady now!”
Sam was nominated for a Cavell Star Award by her team for going above and beyond for her patients. Colleague and Associate Director of Nursing Paul Jebb explains,
“Sam is an exceptional nurse who is caring, understanding and non-judgemental and has a strong ability to empathise with patients. Throughout the toughest times during COVID, Sam has been active and available and like many her role has been adapted as required on a daily basis.
“Sam is defiantly a team player and is always thinking of others. She is a valuable member of the team and this is recognised by many.”
Sam reacted to winning her Cavell Star Award,
“It was a lovely surprise and I didn’t expect it at all! To be recognised by my colleagues and the whole Trust is amazing. I really feel honoured to get a Cavell Star Award.”
Read more about how Sam recycles hundreds of crisp packets to make the insulated covers for people sleeping rough.