NGH launches Daisy Award to thank a nurse or midwife

Say thank you to a nurse or midwife

Northampton General Hospital has launched a new award scheme for patients and their families to thank a nurse or midwife who made a real difference to their care.

Carolyn Fox, director of nursing midwifery and patient services, said: “We’re proud to be one of the first hospitals in the UK to introduce the DAISY Award, an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the skilful, compassionate care nurses and midwives provide every day.

“The Daisy Award is an opportunity to say thank you by sharing your story of how a nurse or midwife made a difference you will never forget.”

What is the Daisy Award?

The award scheme was created in the USA in 1999 by the family of J Patrick Barnes following his death from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP. The DAISY Foundation commemorates the appreciation Patrick’s family had for the care and compassion shown to him and his family.  Following Patrick’s death they felt compelled to say ‘thank you’ to nurses in a very public way.  

How does it work?

Each DAISY Award honoree will be recognised at a ceremony in her or his ward or department. They’ll receive a DAISY Award pin, certificate and a hand-carved sculpture A Healer’s Touch. 

Everyone in the ward/department will be invited to celebrate the occasion with cinnamon rolls, which were a favourite of Patrick’s during his illness. The Barnes family hope that whenever and wherever nurses and midwives smell that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they stop for a moment and think about how special they are.

Nominations for the awards will be accepted throughout the year.

Making a nomination

To nominate an extraordinary nurse or midwife, simply download a nomination form and send it back to us by:

• Email: Daisy Award Co-Ordinator  
• Post: DAISY Award Co-Ordinator, Patient, Nursing & Midwifery Services, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD