Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Staff Nurse, Holly Beattie, was presented with our latest peer-to-peer Star Award last week for her brilliant idea of installing a bell on the unit. Families ring it when they are ready to go home, signalling the end of their NICU journey.
She was nominated by NICU Sister, Jo Richardson, and her nomination reads:
"Holly obtained an end of treatment bell for our families to ring when they are being discharged home, to signify the end of their neonatal journey. This provides further memories for them along a very emotional journey for most families. It will let everyone know that we have a family graduating from the neonatal unit.
"As a new nurse to neonatal, she is passionate about family experience and providing the best holistic care she can, including positive memories. Going the extra mile to ensure we are providing the best we can throughout their entire journey, whilst learning new skills and knowledge at the same time. I am so proud to be a part of watching her grow and develop into the special nurse she is becoming."
27 families have rang the bell since it was installed at the end of April.
After receiving the award, Holly said: "It was really unexpected to win the Star Award. The best thing is that the bell also motivates other families as they know that eventually they’ll also be going home - it’s a light at the end of the tunnel for them. And when it rings it has such a gentle sound, it’s really lovely.
“The thing I love most about my role is to be able to provide care to babies and their families and be a shoulder to lean on. But every day is made special by the colleagues I work with. Everyone is just so supportive, we all get on so well and there is a real sense of morale on the unit.”
Sister, Jacqui Main, said: "The bell has had such a positive effect, and not just on families. When you’re busy on the unit and you hear it ring, you know that another family is going home, and it’s just lovely. Each baby also gets a graduation hat, knitted and donated by a relative about six years ago.”
Congratulations Holly, a very well-deserved win.
