Date published: 30 July 2021
Six members of staff at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised for their outstanding efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by being awarded prestigious national nursing awards by Ruth May, the Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Mrs May surprised the staff by presenting them with Chief Nursing Officer Silver Awards during a ceremony at the Trust’s headquarters in Prescot. The awards reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by nurses and midwives in England and their exceptional contribution to nursing and midwifery practice.
“Every recipient should be very proud of the efforts they have put in to help others during an incredibly difficult time for everyone,” said Mrs May. “Their dedication and commitment helped ensure patients received the highest standards of care in a safe environment and they’re a credit to the nursing profession.”
Jenny Hurst, Mersey Care’s Deputy Director of Nursing, was recognised for her exceptional leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and for demonstrating the “passion and drive that’s visible to everyone.”
Ruth May presents her Chief Nursing Officer silver award to Jenny Hurst, Mersey Care's Deputy Director of Nursing
Five other members of Mersey Care’s nursing staff were also recipients, including Chen Shoko, a senior clinical nurse working in secure forensic mental health nursing, who was recognised for assuring robust processes for the recruitment, induction, and support of nurses into the trust’s secure services.
Leah Angus, David Young and Anthony Rimmer, all members of Mersey Care’s hospital at night team, received a team award for supporting the mental health inpatient wards and supplement existing staff when there is increased demand in particular areas. During the pandemic they provided support across 17 wards and supported colleagues in assessment services, often in very demanding situations due to the impact of the pandemic on staffing levels.
Tinashe Baku also won an award for his work as Mersey Care’s community lead for infection control, ensuring all staff had the right training and PPE equipment and supported staff during some of the most challenging times ever experienced within the NHS.
Joe Rafferty CBE, Mersey Care’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re extremely proud of each of our Chief Nursing Officer award winners. They’ve all demonstrated exceptional leadership and support for their colleagues at the height of the pandemic and all the issues that presented in how we cared for our patients, service users, their carers and families.”