National celebration for CHAS nursing duo
At a glittering awards ceremony spotlighting the very best in Scottish nursing the CHAS team had great cause to celebrate as two of our own were recognised for their excellence.
Arriving on the red carpet at the Edinburgh event Caroline Porter and Nicky Bridges celebrated, alongside CHAS CEO Rami Okasha and CHAS Director of Nursing and Family Support Jen Rodgers, the first time two CHAS nurses have been nominated in for the Children's Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
In a high calibre category CHAS Diana Children's Nurse Caroline was named runner up and former Associate Director of Outreach Nicky was highly commended as Fife School Nursing Service clinched the award.
Caroline who has been with CHAS for 12 years and has over 35 years of nursing experience. said,
"I'm delighted to be recognised by the RCN for Children's nursing. This is very special for CHAS. For me though the real prize is the recognition this award brings to work I'm privileged to do every day at CHAS with children and families requiring palliative care."
Nicky, who retired in January this year, added,
"I was lucky to spend 17 years at CHAS working with children and families requiring palliative care every day, ensuring that no matter where families live that we can support and care for them. This has been a wonderful evening and congratulations to everyone celebrating their success."
Jen Rodgers CHAS Director of Nursing and Family Support praised the outstanding achievement of both CHAS nurses. She said,
"It's a mark of the excellence and dedication that both Caroline and Nicky bring to everything they do that they received this well-deserved recognition from RCN.
"Working in children's palliative care is challenging and difficult but both these nurses have spent their careers ensuring children and their families get the help and care they need so they feel supported and held at the hardest of times.
"The fact CHAS had two team members nominated in this category is incredible and sees RCN recognising skill and dedication in our field. Huge congratulations to winners Fife School Nursing Service and to both Caroline and Nicky, everyone at CHAS is incredibly proud of their achievement."