Support Worker who empowered young people on a Manchester acute mental health ward up for top award
A Nursing Support Worker who broke down barriers to help patients on a Child and Adolescent Mental Health ward has been shortlisted for a prestigious award from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
Jemima Lacey, who works at GMMH, has been selected from hundreds of entries as a finalist in the Nursing Support Worker category of the RCN Nursing Awards 2022.
Jemima has been described as kind and caring as well as clinically skilled, going over and above to support, empower and collaborate with the young people she works with on her ward.
When speaking about being shortlisted for this award, Jemima said,
“I was truly shocked to be nominated; it is the most humbling, rewarding, and enriching feeling.
“I am deeply passionate about good care; I think everyone deserves this and I always treat patients as I would want my loved ones to be treated. To have my work recognised in this way is just the best. I never expected I would be here.”
As well as her dedication towards supporting young people and being a champion for safewards – a research-based model to prevent incidents on wards – Jemima supports newer or less experienced staff by providing training to help with the delivery of individualised care, ensuring her high standards are passed on.
Gill Green, Chief Nurse at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust said,
“I am so proud to hear that Jemima has been shortlisted for the Nursing Support Worker Award in the RCN Nursing Awards 2022.
“Jemima supports the day-to-day provision of care for our patients, including recovery and discharge planning. She has been recognised for her outstanding work, as well as for developing a package of care to support a young person with complex needs, by optimising and supporting a successful pathway for discharge.
“Jemima regularly goes above and beyond to support her colleagues and patients, and this recognition for her hard work is well deserved.”
RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Pat Cullen said,
“This shortlist showcases the very best of nursing and highlights the work we do day in, day out to improve the health and well-being of our patients.
“I am so proud of all the finalists.”
The Foundation of Nursing Studies is the event’s charity partner. Its Chief Executive and Chair of the awards judging panel Joanne Bosanquet said,
“The quality of entries again this year was so high that it was nearly impossible to choose finalists from the creative and innovative work submitted.
“The shortlist showcases excellence and recognises the enormous difference that nurses make to people’s lives throughout the UK.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 6 October at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
