Celebrating the brilliance of star nurses Kathryn and Amy

Celebrations are underway as two Lincolnshire community nurses received Cavell Star awards for exceptional care to patients and their teammates. Cavell Star Awards is a national programme that celebrates the dedication of nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants and recognises the care they provide to patients, families, and colleagues.

Kathryn Watson, Respiratory Nurse Specialist working for the Community Respiratory Team in County Hospital, Louth and covering East Coast, was nominated by her colleagues for delivering a high standard of care and going above and beyond. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathryn ensured patients were kept safe and well and that those near the end of their life had compassionate care that helped them remain comfortable. In addition, she always listened to patients, giving them time to discuss their concerns. On top of this Kathryn also ensured her colleagues were well supported, and her team described her as inspirational.

Kathryn said: “It was a complete surprise that my fabulous colleagues nominated me for Cavell Star. I accepted this award for them too because we are a team. We work very hard to support patients with chronic lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Pulmonary Fibrosis and always try to go the extra mile and make a positive difference to our patients. As community nurses, we are privileged to look after people in their own homes.”

Another worthy Lincolnshire winner is Amy Cheevers, a Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist based in Grantham and covering South, South West and the East of Lincolnshire. Amy lives in Ancaster and she has been a nurse for 17 years. She recently helped develop and expand the community team that looks after more than 700 people in the county who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Amy is a supportive and inspirational manager and has trained new colleagues, mentored and advised them in her capacity as an independent/supplementary prescriber. She also supports service developments including devising a digital ways to support people living with Parkinson’s

Amy said: “I was so shocked to receive the award. It was an honour to find out that the team had nominated me for Cavell Star Award. Winning has left me completely speechless; this is a huge achievement. I am so proud and truly blessed to be part of an amazing team.”

Cavell Nurses’ Trust is the charity supporting UK nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering a personal or financial crisis, often due to illness, disability, domestic abuse and rising living costs. The award scheme was launched in 2018. Each Cavell Star Award winner receives a remarkable medal, presentation case and pin badge.