Fahida is an extraordinary head and neck specialist nurse. She goes above and beyond for her patients. Works out of hours on her days off to ensure her head and neck cancer patients have the care and support they need. She is patient-centered and focuses on maintaining their quality of life and following the patients' wishes. She goes to great lengths to mobilise and educate the clinical team.

A recent story of how far she goes to support the patient and also support and educate her team: I (junior registrar in ENT) called Fahida over a weekend as I didn’t know how to manage a patient with a leaking speech valve. She not only called me back instantly, but she gave me detailed advice, sent guideline information, and then followed up with my patient.

Another example that shows how Fahida is a DAISY Nurse: we had a dying patient who was bleeding terminally in A&E. Fahida went to A&E as soon as she heard and took control of the situation ensuring his end-of-life care was in place TEP form and that he was immediately transferred to a familiar ward with nurses he knew and could manage his terminal bleed. She advocated for the patient and ensured the family felt in control and a part of the patient's care. The junior team (nurses and doctors) also felt supported and directed as they had not witnessed a blowout before. Fahida also sourced all the sheets and provided the team with protocols and pastoral support following the event.

Fahida also has impressive resilience. She has also been doing the work of many as she is also covering her colleague's maternity leave. Fahida deserves to be recognised not only for her hard work and skill but for her compassion and dedication to the team. I have learned so much from Fahida and am proud to be her colleague.