I was a patient on Greetwell ward for a few days, and as you can appreciate, sitting in a hospital bed, having very little to do, you tend to observe people for lengthy periods. I am a nurse myself and over my stay in hospital have seen very poor, as well as outstanding practice. I felt a very deep need to appreciate a certain person who made my stay on Greetwell ward a lot more pleasant. I am really very sorry that I cannot remember his first name, but I know that his last name is Baring and that he is a staff nurse. This gentleman has an awesomely calming nature, which he exudes towards his patients, as well as his colleagues. I saw his colleagues frequently consult him, and also seek reassurance from him, which he readily gave without question, even when he was so busy he couldn’t take a break. I saw him acting as an incredibly talented mentor towards junior staff, and when I witnessed a terrible form of racism from a patient to one of Mr Baring’s colleagues. Mr Baring took her under his wing and was absolutely outstanding with his attitude towards her, and his warmth and compassion was astounding to witness. In fact, the next day he worked with her he was especially attentive toward her and made sure she was okay. If I was ever lucky enough to work with him, I would feel very proud to be part of his team. 

Mr Baring made me feel safe, and he made me feel very cared for. I knew that what he said was correct and well-informed. What he said he actually meant, and what he promised he delivered, in bucket loads. I have worked with some brilliant nurses over the years, but it’s a rare thing to see a person like Mr Baring. His empathy, compassion, and kindness were exuding from every pore, and this drew people towards him, either wanting support or reassurance or both, and boy did they get it!

 I hope that the trust will look after this man, and nurture him to continue to be one of the most outstanding people that you have ever employed. I often see very good nurses being brutally left by the wayside, either by giving them too much work that they burn out, or they suffer from compassion fatigue at some point in their career, and never have the support that they need to continue. This man was run ragged over the day that I was in the ward. I really hope that you can nurture him and make sure that he stays within your trust. He truly is the most outstanding nurse I’ve ever met!