This lovely man has been a staff nurse on Private one ward for the past 20 years. He is retiring this month to go live in Canada with his family from whom he has been separated for 17 years. It is difficult to explain just how dedicated, compassionate, empathetic, and skilled he is. He is extraordinary in the truest sense of the word. I have been his nurse colleague and manager throughout this time and have quite literally never seen him give anything less than 100% to his patients and their relatives.

A particular young palliative oncology patient's struggle to accept his prognosis and debility is just one example of his innate caring nature. Erwin has a very understated way of reassuring the patients that their wishes are a priority concern for him which allowed this educated, once fiercely independent man to feel some measure of control in a desperate situation. His discreet nursing care, calm nature, and generous spirit provided solace to the patient and wife. He would greet them daily with a warm smile and encourage the relative to “ring anytime”. This allowed the gentleman’s wife to go home and rest knowing her husband was safe and being comforted.

A few years after he passed, this man’s wife became a patient on the same ward. She spoke to me about the impact Erwin’s care and compassion had on them and how the lasting memories she had of her husband’s final weeks were cushioned by the loving care of such a wonderful nurse. Erwin is a true DAISY Nurse.