Shona Outram
May 2025
Shona
Outram
,
RN
Breast Care Unit
Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust
Northampton
United Kingdom
What truly sets Shona apart is her ability to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued. She has shown a heartfelt interest in my life beyond treatment, and her consistent encouragement has given me the strength to keep fighting.
I am honoured to nominate Shona Outram for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care she has provided and continues to provide during my cancer treatment. Shona’s unwavering dedication, not only to my clinical care but also to my emotional well-being, has been a source of immense support during one of the most challenging periods of my life.
I was diagnosed with secondary cancer, which, amongst other things, was pressing on my spinal cord, requiring an emergency admission to hospital; it was a confusing and worrying time. From the first moment I met Shona, her professionalism, kindness, and empathy were abundantly clear. She took the time to explain every aspect of my treatment in detail, answering my endless questions with patience and compassion. On my most difficult days, Shona has consistently lifted my spirits—whether with a warm smile, a kind word, or simply sitting by my side to provide comfort. Even when I was transferred to another hospital for spinal surgery, Shona maintained contact and continued to give me support. Despite being responsible for the care of many others, Shona has always made me feel like more than just another patient. Her attentiveness and genuine care are nothing short of remarkable.
What truly sets Shona apart is her ability to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued. She has shown a heartfelt interest in my life beyond treatment, and her consistent encouragement has given me the strength to keep fighting. Beyond caring for me, Shona has also extended her support to my family, offering them reassurance and guidance that has made a significant difference in our collective journey.
Shona’s organisational skills and dedication to her patients are unparalleled - whether coordinating appointments, helping me find a dentist, ensuring I have access to a physiotherapist, or following up on pathology results. Having spent 5 weeks in hospital following my emergency admission, I reached the point where I wanted to return home; Shona resolved all the outstanding issues preventing this, and I was discharged the same day. Shona handles everything with efficiency and grace. She is clearly respected and trusted by her colleagues, which is evident in the seamless support she provides her patients.
I wholeheartedly believe Shona embodies everything a nurse should be: compassionate, skilled, and deeply committed to her patients. While words cannot fully capture the depth of my gratitude, I hope this nomination reflects the profound positive impact she has had on my life and the lives of those around me in the most difficult of times.
In summary, every patient needs and deserves a Shona.
I was diagnosed with secondary cancer, which, amongst other things, was pressing on my spinal cord, requiring an emergency admission to hospital; it was a confusing and worrying time. From the first moment I met Shona, her professionalism, kindness, and empathy were abundantly clear. She took the time to explain every aspect of my treatment in detail, answering my endless questions with patience and compassion. On my most difficult days, Shona has consistently lifted my spirits—whether with a warm smile, a kind word, or simply sitting by my side to provide comfort. Even when I was transferred to another hospital for spinal surgery, Shona maintained contact and continued to give me support. Despite being responsible for the care of many others, Shona has always made me feel like more than just another patient. Her attentiveness and genuine care are nothing short of remarkable.
What truly sets Shona apart is her ability to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued. She has shown a heartfelt interest in my life beyond treatment, and her consistent encouragement has given me the strength to keep fighting. Beyond caring for me, Shona has also extended her support to my family, offering them reassurance and guidance that has made a significant difference in our collective journey.
Shona’s organisational skills and dedication to her patients are unparalleled - whether coordinating appointments, helping me find a dentist, ensuring I have access to a physiotherapist, or following up on pathology results. Having spent 5 weeks in hospital following my emergency admission, I reached the point where I wanted to return home; Shona resolved all the outstanding issues preventing this, and I was discharged the same day. Shona handles everything with efficiency and grace. She is clearly respected and trusted by her colleagues, which is evident in the seamless support she provides her patients.
I wholeheartedly believe Shona embodies everything a nurse should be: compassionate, skilled, and deeply committed to her patients. While words cannot fully capture the depth of my gratitude, I hope this nomination reflects the profound positive impact she has had on my life and the lives of those around me in the most difficult of times.
In summary, every patient needs and deserves a Shona.