I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Grace and Charlotte since August 2016 and November 2016 respectively. My reasons for nomination are based on feedback from patients and families, feedback from colleagues and my own observations.
Countless patients and their families have mentioned, at various stages, the kindness, caring and compassion that Grace and Charlotte have constantly and consistently shown. Acute neurosurgical patients often come with complex and unique challenges. Through their outstanding communication skills and clinical acumen Grace and Charlotte have efficiently dealt with these while still keeping thoughtful care paramount. One patient, in particular, said that it was through speaking to Charlotte that she experienced hope despite a devastating diagnosis, perhaps for the first time. Another patient said she thought "everything would be okay" once she had spoken to Grace despite sustaining life-changing injuries. Grace and Charlotte epitomise the delivery of dedicated compassionate care.
Similarly, the feedback I have heard from several colleagues, day in and day out, is nothing short of the best. Grace and Charlotte have supported and continue to support our junior doctors significantly. Being a junior on the Neurosurgery ward can be very daunting and Grace and Charlotte's kind words, enthusiasm and helpful advice have greatly helped many of the juniors. It is therefore my duty, as Mentor to the Neurosurgery junior doctors, to highlight such behaviours as being incredibly helpful and would like to see Grace and Charlotte acknowledged as appropriate.
On a personal note, I believe Grace and Charlotte are an asset to the Neurosciences team. They work extremely hard and very much go the extra mile to ensure patients are kept well-informed and looked after in every possible way despite the stresses of the system. Such attributes (and I wonder if I understate them) must be recognised and I believe they are true DAISY Nurses.