A nurse who manages the children’s ward at Lister Hospital in Stevenage has been named as 2020’s ‘NHS Hero’ in this year’s Hertfordshire Community Awards.
Bluebell ward manager Catherine Spreckley was one of 10 winners announced yesterday (Wednesday) after the awards – organised by the Comet, Herts Advertiser, Royston Crow and Welwyn Hatfield Times media titles – saw more than 500 entries in all.
Catherine was nominated by a family whose daughter was on the ward for five weeks earlier this year.
In their nomination they said how Catherine “went above and beyond to pull lots of professionals together and keep us informed and safe”, helping the family get answers.
Their daughter is now “doing really well for the first time in years”, with the family describing Catherine as “an amazing nurse and ward manager, who is definitely our NHS hero”.
Due to COVID-19, no award ceremony has been held this year – but Catherine has now received her trophy, which she is keen to share with colleagues.
“It has been a lovely boost to receive this award, knowing that families appreciate the care we give and getting the recognition for it,” said Catherine, who works for East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust – which runs the Lister.
“But, without a doubt, it’s a team effort – and this award is for the team of ‘heroes’ on Bluebell ward whom I find it a privilege to work with and manage.
“Our committed and caring team work tirelessly to provide care to often very sick children and their families.
“What often becomes ‘the norm’ or ‘the job’ can masquerade the reality of the outstanding compassion and hard work we provide and the positive and long-lasting impact we have on children, young people and their families.”
