Birmingham Hospice becomes first hospice in the West Midlands – and second in the UK – to introduce the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.
Birmingham Hospice has introduced the DAISY Award, an international recognition programme which enables patients, families and carers to recognise nurses who have gone above and beyond.
In doing so it becomes the first hospice in the West Midlands, and only the second hospice in the UK, to introduce the programme for nursing excellence.
The DAISY Award was founded in the United States in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died aged 33 in 1999, from complications of an autoimmune disease.
His family were so struck by the care and compassion shown to them and their son, they created the award to thank nurses everywhere. It has since been adopted by thousands of healthcare organisations across more than 20 countries.
It is widely used across the NHS but is not common in hospices, most of which are run as independent charities.
Kellie Lennon, Clinical Director at Birmingham Hospice said: “Introducing the programme to celebrate the compassion and expertise of our nurses is a fantastic step for us. What makes this recognition so special is that it is rooted in the voices and experiences of those we serve – patients, families and carers, who have felt first-hand the impact of exceptional nursing.
“Being recognised by the people who matter most transforms the awards into something deeply meaningful. It reflects moments of compassion, reassurance, dignity and support that may otherwise go unseen.
“These are the moments that stay with patients and their loved ones long after care has ended and they capture the true essence of nursing.”
Nurse consultant Sarah Bache, who was inspired to work in palliative care after her Dad was diagnosed with cancer said: “Hospice nursing is a privilege but it’s also emotionally demanding work that doesn’t always get seen.
“Knowing that it will be patients and families themselves who nominate our nurses for this award means the world. It reminds all of us why we do the job.”
All nominees will receive a special DAISY pin and a copy of their nomination.
Winners for each quarter will be announced at an annual ceremony and will receive a hand-carved sculpture called ‘A Healer’s Touch.’
Patients and their loved ones can nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award through the hospice website or by requesting a paper form from their care team.
Cover photo: Sarah Bache, Tony O’Reilly, Julie Bennett, Helen Narbett.
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