"Kind, talented, and inspirational" children's nurse Rebecca recognised with Cavell Star Award
A nurse who "makes a difference every day" for children and their families at Royal Derby Hospital (RDH) - and is supporting colleagues around her to provide the best experience for every patient - has been recognised with a prestigious national nursing award.
Rebecca Woodcock, Sister on the Sunflower Ward in the Children's Hospital at RDH, was nominated by her colleagues for a Cavell Star Award in light of her dedication and commitment to making sure every child feels supported, listened to and valued at what can be a really challenging time for the children and their loved ones.
The Cavell Star Awards are a national programme celebrating nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who go the extra mile for their colleagues, patients and their families.
Sunflower Ward is a busy medical and surgical ward caring for children and young people from birth to 18 years old, and Rebecca’s colleagues say she brings compassion, calmness, and a smile to even the most challenging days.
Her nomination was made by Rob Bradley, Senior Charge Nurse on the ward, alongside colleagues from the Paediatric Senior Leadership Team. In the nomination, Rob described Rebecca as a “positive, motivated nurse, who makes a difference every day to her patients, their parents and colleagues”.
He added that she is “bubbly and fun to work with, whilst upholding patient safety, quality and professional standards”, and praised the way she advocates for children and their families and strives to provide the best possible care “through compassion and excellence”.
Rebecca was also recognised for the way she supports those around her - acting as a role model for colleagues, students and support workers and demonstrating the importance of one-to-one, individualised care while always maintaining patients’ dignity.
She was presented with her Cavell Star Award in a surprise presentation by UHDB Chief Nurse Garry Marsh.
Rebecca - who joined Sunflower Ward in 2019 and became a Senior Sister on the ward last year - said: “I was absolutely overwhelmed to receive the Cavell Star Award. To be recognised by the people I work alongside every day is incredibly special, because they see the little things that you do for patients and their families that you might not even think twice about.
“I love being a nurse and I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Sunflower team. We have such a caring and supportive team, and it means so much to know that the work we do to make children and families have the best experience possible - in what is often a very challenging period in their lives. I’m very grateful to everyone who nominated me.”
Her passion for the care provided on Sunflower Ward was particularly clear during a recent visit from the Paediatric Senior Leadership Team, when she took the time to showcase the services available to children and families – including the ward’s SEND (Special Educational Needs or Disabilities) area, which provides a quieter space for children with additional needs.
Rob’s nomination reflected the visit, saying that Rebecca "was able to show and explain the pathway of our patients with knowledge and passion, to ensure our patients and their families get the best possible care whilst in the ward.”
The nomination concluded: “We are delighted and proud to nominate Becky for the Cavell Star Award. I really feel she should be recognised for being an outstanding and compassionate nurse advocate for her patients.”
After presenting the award, Garry Marsh said:
“Rebecca is exactly the kind of nurse the Cavell Star Awards are there to celebrate. She brings such warmth and compassion to her role, while never losing sight of what matters most – making sure children and their families receive the very best care.
“What really stands out is the affection and admiration her colleagues clearly have for her. Rebecca is not only a wonderful advocate for her patients, but an inspirational role model for those around her and for the future nurses she helps to support. She should be incredibly proud of this award, and I’m delighted to congratulate her.”
Rob’s nomination summed up what Rebecca means to the team simply:
"We are lucky that Becky is part of our team. She is a kind, talented, and inspirational nurse advocate.”