Team receives national award

End-of-life team members who helped hundreds of hospital staff prepare for the major change to Northamptonshire’s new county mortuary have been awarded a Cavell Star award for their efforts.

Cavell Star Awards are national recognitions given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates, and healthcare assistants, who shine bright and show exceptional care or support.

Palliative and End of Life Care Practice Educators, Francesca Bell, from Kettering General Hospital (KGH), and Michelle De Fusco, from Northampton General Hospital (NGH), were presented with the award by UHN Interim Group Chief Nurse Robin Binks.

Michelle and Fran were nominated for the award by NGH's Deputy Lead Nurse for End-of-Life Care, Kerry Messam.

In her nomination she wrote: “Michelle and Fran are being nominated for a Cavell Award in recognition of their outstanding dedication and support for registered general nurses, nursing associates, and healthcare assistants, during a significant change to the care after death process at University Hospitals Northamptonshire.

“Together, they designed, led, and delivered a comprehensive education programme within an exceptional three-month timeframe, reaching 2,474 staff virtually and 473 staff through face-to-face sessions.

“The programme included practical, hands-on demonstrations focused on providing sensitive and dignified care after death, alongside the development of robust processes to ensure deceased patients remain safe, and secure.

“Michelle and Fran have been truly magnificent throughout this entire process and are thoroughly deserving of recognition for the remarkable difference they have made — not only to ward nursing teams, but also to the care of our patients and their families.”

The new £9.4 million County Mortuary officially opened at Riverside Business Park in Northampton, in April this year.

Interim UHN Group Chief Nurse Robin Binks said: “Fran and Michelle have gone above and beyond what was expected to make sure the transition to having a new county mortuary went well for our staff and for the families of the bereaved.

“They have demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, active listening, and the ability to address concerns with empathy and professionalism. They have fostered a positive culture of learning and growth surrounding end of life care and care after death across the organisation.”