3 outstanding nurses/midwives from Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) have been acknowledged for the meaningful difference they make in their patients' lives.

At a ceremony in the hospital in recent weeks, Ann Browne, Anne McLaughlin and Brenda Sandilands received DAISY awards after being nominated by co-workers and patients. While the DAISY award is a new initiative in LUH, the programme has been running for a number of years after being established by the DAISY Foundation, an international not-for-profit organisation.

The foundation aims to recognise the extraordinary, compassionate, nursing care provided by nurses and midwives to patients all over the world. The awards were established in memory of J Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 in Washington, USA.

Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of The DAISY Foundation explains that "when Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced at first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognised for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses and midwives at Letterkenny University Hospital are called on to do every day epitomises the spirit of the DAISY Award.”

Ann Browne is a Candidate Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Paediatrics, Emergency Department, LUH. Ann was nominated by her colleagues in the Emergency Department for her transformational leadership, knowledge and unwavering dedication to exceptional patient care in setting up a new paediatric pathway in the Emergency Department. Her nomination story commended her kindness to patients, parents and staff alike. Ann’s colleagues are grateful for the commitment, enthusiasm and support she demonstrates daily and felt that these qualities were integral to the success of the new service in the Emergency Department.

Anne McLaughlin, Staff Nurse, Paediatric Ward, LUH, was nominated by a member of the public for the compassionate care received by his daughter during a number of admissions to the Paediatric Unit during a serious illness. He was grateful for the patient-centred care Anne provided to his daughter and described her as an “excellent member of staff and a credit to the ward.”

Brenda Sandilands is a Staff Nurse at the Infusion Unit, LUH. Brenda was nominated by a patient for both the skilful care given during bi-monthly visits to the Infusion Unit and the compassion she demonstrated when her nominator received some devastating news while in the unit. Her kindness, combined with how much she really cares about her patients were commended by her nominator.

Dr Anne Drake, Director of Nursing in LUH said she was “delighted that LUH is participating in the DAISY Award programme and that we have a mechanism to demonstrate our appreciation for, and gratitude to our exceptional nurses and midwives."

"Our nurses and midwives go above and beyond every day in challenging environments and have a profound impact on patient experience at the hospital. I want to congratulate Ann, Anne and Brenda for their awards which are so richly deserved.”

Encouraging the public to get involved, Anne Drake explains that “the DAISY awards are an ongoing initiative in LUH."

"Throughout the year we will be selecting more recipients for the awards. Nominations are now open for the next phase. I would encourage anyone who has had a positive nursing and/or midwifery experience in LUH to nominate their nurse or midwife. We would love to hear from the public, patients and families about what we mean to you.”