Debbie, we wanted to nominate you for a Daisy lifetime achievement award to formally recognise the outstanding contribution you have made to our staff from every discipline and ultimately our patients at NGH. You have worked tirelessly for many years as a nurse and leader to ensure patients receive the best care possible, which has been provided by a professional, skilled, and caring workforce that you helped to create.

You stepped into the Director of Nursing position when we needed a courageous, inspirational, and compassionate leader. You provided us with direction, support, compassion, nurturing, and true, inclusive, and compassionate leadership. The effects of the covid19 pandemic were being felt by everyone, and our teams were exhausted, emotional, and scared.

The senior nursing team was also feeling extremely vulnerable and needed a strong leader. You took the leadership mantle with pride and courage, and for that, we will be eternally grateful. You met every day with positivity, and you championed honesty, integrity, and professionalism. You never faltered and you gave us all hope by shinning a bight light for us all to follow especially in our darkest days at Northampton General Hospital.

You have also created a strong, courageous, compassionate, and inspirational leadership team at NGH by guiding, challenging, and nurturing us to be the best versions of ourselves. Your continued commitment to providing the best services and care at NGH has never faltered despite the pressures and challenges. We have never felt alone, and you have walked alongside us every day and allowed us to develop into our true selves.

You saw potential in us when no one else saw it and ensured we felt valued and respected. I am particularly grateful for your personal and professional support over the past few years, as they have been the most challenging of my career. I never felt alone or judged and knew that you were always there if I needed anything. You have a sensitive soul, and you always knew when I needed a milky cup of tea or a quick catch-up.

You provided strength and leadership in maternity last year, which ensured that our women and their babies had a better experience and were listened to. It was tough and i know you had sleepless nights, however it paid off and the service is transitioning from strength to strength.

You are respected and known in every corner of this trust. You are passionate about doing what is right, and you’re not afraid to challenge anyone or anything. You lead by example and are not afraid to join the teams working clinically if required. You lead from the front and can be found when operational pressures are immense, providing patient care or skilfully cleaning a clinical area with your senior team. Your mopping skills are almost Olympian. You are a powerful female role model.

Finally, you have given us your whole personal and professional self without thought for yourself. We are and will continue to be eternally grateful for your contribution and service. We are your legacy, and we will continue to be the very best versions of ourselves every day because of your leadership, support, and guidance. Debbie, I want to formally thank you for your service as a senior nurse at NGH