Next Generation Nightingales: Nursing assistants and maternity support workers recognised by awards

Nursing assistants, maternity support workers, healthcare assistants and nursing associates have been honoured with the Nightingale Award for the first time.

The prestigious commendations, inspired by Florence Nightingale, celebrates the outstanding nursing and midwifery staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.

This year the Nightingale Award was presented to 17 nursing assistants, maternity support workers, healthcare assistants and nursing associates, having previously been dedicated to only nurses and midwives.

Deborah Ababio, a healthcare assistant at Harefield Hospital, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’, has worked at the Trust for two years. She is based on Rowan ward, supporting heart and lung transplant patients. 

She said: “I’m so glad to be part of this first group of assistants receiving the Nightingale Award. 

“It makes me feel proud that our hard work and effort is considered, and that all my education is being recognised. 

“This award will serve as a positive reminder of the impact I can make on patients’ lives. It inspires me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my work.”

They were joined by 80 nurses and five midwives who were presented with the coveted Nightingale Nurse and Nightingale Midwife award at the annual ceremony.

Winners have the honour of being known as a ‘Nightingale Nurse’, ‘Nightingale Midwife’ and ‘Next Generation Nightingale’. Staff must complete specialist training to receive the honour.

Liz Allibone, head of nursing for the Nightingale Academy at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “These awards are special. It’s about celebrating the legacy of Florence Nightingale who set up the first school of nursing in the world at St Thomas’.”

Award winners are given an engraved badge, designed to celebrate the achievements of the next generation Nightingales who deliver outstanding care to patients. 

Ms Allibone said: “It gives recipients the confidence to pursue further academic studies, is recognition, and most of all it’s that sense of belonging.”

The event is funded by The Nightingales Fellowship, a charity for retired Nightingale nurses and midwives who trained at St Thomas’ Hospital. 

Professional nursing and midwifery staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital has grown in number to 550 since it was first launched at the Trust in 2017. 

Pictured top: Group shot of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Nightingales (Picture: Guy’s and St Thomas’)