Nightingale Macmillan Unit nurse recognised by patient's family for outstanding end of life care
A registered nurse at Royal Derby Hospital has been recognised for his care of a patient based in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit, after their family described him as "a modern superhero" for his compassion, professionalism and support during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Alex Newby, who works in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit (NMU), was subsequently nominated for a Making a Difference Award, in the Patient Hero category, by the family of the patient - who said the quality of his care helped the whole family feel safe and comforted.
The nomination describes the profound impact Alex had on both the patient and his family from the moment he came on shift, with the family explaining that, during a period of fear and uncertainty, he not only provided expert nursing care but also offered reassurance, guidance and emotional support. As the patient’s condition deteriorated, the family said they relied heavily on Alex’s knowledge and calm professionalism to help them navigate the days that followed. They shared that his advice was completely trusted and that his presence brought stability at an incredibly distressing time.
The patient sadly passed away in the early hours of 17 April, with Alex once again on shift. The family said that throughout the night, his compassion, patience and care helped them feel supported and comforted, describing him as being “as close to a modern-day superhero as possible”.
On hearing about the family's nomination of him for a Patient Hero award and reflecting on his time with the patient, Alex said: "I am very lucky that I love my job and these patients become like family to me so it is a real honour and means a lot to hear these kind words and get this award."
Following this nomination, Amanda Rawlings, Executive Chief People Officer, visited the Nightingale Macmillan Unit to present Alex with the award in a surprise ceremony.
In closing their nomination, the family said that their father would have been “extremely grateful” for the level of care he received, and that they will “forever be in his debt” for the kindness and humanity he showed them all.
Amanda Rawlings shared the family's pride in the care that Alex delivered in incredibly difficult times, saying: “Alex’s nomination is incredibly moving and is a powerful reminder of the difference our staff make every day, often at the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives - for both patients and their families.
"The compassion, professionalism and reassurance Alex provided was more than just clinical care, and it’s clear the impact this had on the whole family. This Patient Hero award is thoroughly deserved, and I’m very proud to recognise Alex for the difference he has made.”
Would you like to nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference Award?
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
Our Monthly Making a Difference Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional care and who have delivered improvements across safety, quality, effectiveness and patient experience and demonstrated the Trust values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence.
There are three monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
Patient Hero Award – nominated by you, our patients, or a patient's family or loved ones
Excellence Award - you can nominate colleagues and teams
You can nominate one of our colleagues by sending a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net