OUH Celebrates 50 DAISY Awards Honouring Exceptional Nurses and Midwives

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has reached a remarkable milestone – the presentation of its 50th DAISY Award presentation, recognising the extraordinary care and compassion shown by our nurses and midwives.

The DAISY Award programme, established by the DAISY Foundation in 1999, honours nurses who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional patient care. OUH adopted the initiative in 2018, and since then, it has become a cherished acknowledgment of the excellent compassionate care provided by our staff across the Trust.

The first DAISY Award at OUH was presented to Louise Garrett in October 2018, Deputy Matron on F Ward Trauma, at the Horton General Hospital whose compassion and dedication set the tone for the programme’s future.

Since then, with our most recent awardee Amy Clark, the Trust has celebrated 50 individuals whose work exemplifies the values of OUH and the nursing and midwifery profession.

Of the 50 honourees, 38 have been nurses and 12 have been midwives. Nicky Howlett was the first midwife to be awarded the DAISY award at OUH in July 2019.

Our recent recipients have included midwives who supported families through difficult births and nurses who provided comfort during end-of-life care.

Mark Curnow, Programme Lead for OxSCA clinical accreditation and the Daisy Award at OUH, said: "The DAISY Awards are a powerful way to recognise the heart of nursing and midwifery. Each story reminds us why we do what we do.

"Along with recognition for the individual nurse and midwife, the Daisy award celebration also provides recognition and acknowledgement of the importance of teamwork in enabling excellence, and above all, recognition for those who have gone above and beyond in the delivery of excellence within the work environment."

Each DAISY Award recipient is nominated by patients, families, or colleagues who have witnessed or experienced outstanding care. We receive 150-200 nominations every year. All nominees receive a DAISY pin and a card. A small number of exemplary nurses or midwives are chosen by a panel as DAISY honourees who receive awards in face-to-face presentations.

Winners receive a special honouree pin, a certificate, a hand-carved "Healer's Touch" sculpture, and a celebratory cinnamon bun – a nod to the original DAISY Foundation story.

Award ceremonies are held as surprise presentations in the recipient's ward or department, and often attended by the nominator who reads their heartfelt words aloud. These moments allow teams to pause and reflect, fostering a sense of pride and unity.

Sarah Stephenson, Lead Nurse OxSCA Accreditation Programme and Daisy at OUH, said: "Reaching 50 honourees is a testament to the incredible care our staff provide every day. These nominations come directly from those we care for – and that makes them especially meaningful.

"DAISY Awards offer a powerful and personal way for patients and families to express gratitude, often turning moments of vulnerability into lasting memories of compassion and professionalism. The programme also contributes to staff morale, with recipients frequently describing the award as a career highlight."

Yvonne Christley, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: "The DAISY Awards are a beautiful reminder of the compassionate care and professionalism our nurses and midwives bring to every patient interaction. Reaching 50 awards is not just a milestone—it’s a celebration of the heart and values of OUH."

As OUH celebrates this milestone, the Trust encourages continued nominations from patients, families, and staff. The DAISY Awards not only honour individuals but also foster a culture of appreciation and excellence throughout the organisation.

To nominate a nurse or midwife for a DAISY Award, visit our DAISY webpage.