Claire – a busy mum of four who has worked in the children’s cardiothoracic outpatient clinic for over four years – was nominated for the category ‘Working together for patients’.
This recognises healthcare support workers (HCSWs) who have consistently demonstrated the values of the NHS in supporting their nurse, midwifery, and medical colleagues to deliver the highest possible patient care.
Claire was nominated by Kristina Simpson, Senior Nurse for Healthcare Support Worker Development and the clinic’s charge nurse David Derry. He said: “Claire has grown beautifully into her position and is a much valued member of the team.
“Paediatric patients of all ages attend the department for assessment or ongoing care following treatment, resulting in varied and often complex needs.
Claire greets all patients and families with a smile and treats them with respect and dignity.
David Derry, Charge Nurse for children's heart outpatients department
Claire is described as truly dedicated to her role and invaluable to ensuring the smooth running of the outpatient clinics.
“Claire will often co-ordinate clinic sessions, maximising utilisation of services and guiding other staff to meet the needs of the service,” continued David.
“When required, she speaks up to ensure patients are safe from harm and challenges colleagues and members of the multi-disciplinary team in an appropriate way.
“When not busy with clinical tasks, she is happy to look after and play with patients to help develop appropriate relationships, which promote successful concordance with investigations.”
Vital role of the healthcare support worker
As well as her clinical responsibilities, Claire is a committed advocate of the HCSW role and does all she can to help raise the profile across the Trust. It was Claire’s dedication in this area that led Kristina to making the nomination.
“Claire’s support and input in her HCSW leadership role has been pivotal to the success of Newcastle’s Wisdom Group,” explained Kristina.
She recognises the importance of giving HCSW colleagues a voice towards improving not only their experience working in the trust, but for those of our future workforce.
Kristina Simpson, Senior Nurse for Healthcare Support Worker Development
“This helps us to inform us on how to get our recruitment approach right at the outset, leading to greater retention of staff who feel valued and respected, with access to all the support they need should they wish to progress their career further into nursing or midwifery.”
Exceptional role model and leader
“Claire is an exceptional role model and leader”, added Associate Director of Nursing Lisa Guthrie. “It is clear to see she is passionate about her job and encourages her peers in the Trust to embrace their roles too.
“She attended the Trust’s inaugural HCSW Community Recruitment Event in May last year to showcase the role of the HCSW and answer any attendees’ questions.
“Attendance was unprecedented with over 1000 people seeking an interview. Claire took everything in her stride and her contribution working alongside the nursing and recruitment teams was invaluable.”
Claire also attended a Leadership Summit to give her views on the importance of consulting HCSW staff during any potential changes that might affect the role.
Lisa was so impressed with Claire’s contribution that she approached her to become a founding member of the Trust’s recently established HCSW Wisdom Group as part of a regionally led programme called ‘Altogether Better’.
Cultivating a more diverse, inclusive workforce
The Wisdom Group shares innovative examples of practices, tools and support and seeks new ideas to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workforce that meets the needs of the organisation and the patients and families it serves.
Claire and colleagues support this ambition by collectively considering issues such as:
- what skills, qualities and experiences make a great HCSW,
- what the perfect HCSW job description would look like,
- and how the interview process could be made more inclusive to ensure the recruitment of high calibre and more diverse candidates.
Victoria Bagshaw, Regional Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Workforce Lead for NHS England, North East and Yorkshire presented Claire with her award.
She said: “There are around 27,000 healthcare support workers in the North East and Yorkshire region and only 38 recipients of those have received this award since its inception in 2022. As such this is a very prestigious award, only given to exemplary colleagues.
It’s a very proud moment to give out an award because it really is all about recognising those people who have gone over and above – who have made an extra special effort and make a real difference to their colleagues’ and patients’ lives.
Victoria Bagshaw, Regional NMAHP Workforce Lead for NHS England, North East and Yorkshire
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to give this to you today Claire so please wear it with pride!”
Claire said “I’d always wanted to be a nurse but didn’t have the qualifications to go to University so I did an HEFC (Higher Education Funding Council) course.
“My first job was caring for people in the community before joining the children’s heart (cardiothoracic) clinic at the Freeman Hospital as a healthcare assistant. I will have been here for 5 years in July.”
Claire was surprised but delighted to receive her award. “I absolutely love my job, it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. Some days can be tough but you always get through it. Thank you.”
Chief Nursing Officer / Chief Midwifery Officer Awards
Healthcare support workers and maternity support workers are at the heart of clinical settings and local communities up and down the country, making a real difference every day to the lives of patients they care for and the nursing and midwifery colleagues they support. Both are integral to our workforce and deserve recognition and celebration for all that they do.
We want to recognise our support workforce and the vital role they play.
Find out how to nominate a healthcare support worker for an award
