Miriam Redfern

Miriam Redfern, one of our sisters in the Day Case Unit at the Horton General Hospital, received a DAISY Award in recognition of the exceptional compassionate care she provided to a long-term patient with an SPC catheter.

The nominating patient initially had several complications and challenges, resulting in the need for surgery every four weeks and affecting their quality of life. With Miriam's support and proactive approach, the complications were reduced, and now the patient has surgery every 12 weeks.

The nomination read: "I used to cry with fear before, the pain after was unbearable, life was tough. Over the years of going, Miriam, along with other staff, have really gotten to know me well. Going every four weeks was tough mentally and on my body. It was a hard and dark time.

"Miriam knew how much I struggled, and here are just some of the things she has put in place:

• Morning of surgery – she comes, chats with me, and reassures me to the point there are no pre-tears. She then tells the surgeon and anaesthetic team what bits I specifically need (the nerves often mean I might forget).
• During surgery – she suggested other IV pain relief to help me with the pain. The pain was so severe before, it made me sick, which often then caused overnight admission. The new pain relief plan, which she has tweaked over the years and we now have perfected, is a huge game-changer when I wake up in recovery.
• She also discovered a type of open-tip catheter and always ensures the surgeon has them. These last longer and cause fewer issues now between changes. She suggested belly bags (instead of leg bags), which are more discreet for me to wear, don't leak, and are so much more comfortable for me. She also found two different flushes for between surgeries, which help with the blockages and infections.

"Miriam isn't just a nurse. She has transformed my life. I now go in every 12 weeks for these surgeries, thanks to the things she has put in place. The three times fewer surgeries mean less pressure on my body and a drastic improvement in not only the quality of my life but also more time for my family and children.

"So many of the Horton nurses are amazing, but Miriam has quite literally given me life back. She's helped me be inthe  hospital less, helped me maintain my bladder both medically and with confidence between these less regular surgeries. She's helped me with my anxiety around coming to the point now, my husband drops me off and I can be on my own there. This is all thanks to Miriam and all her hard work, thoughtfulness, kindness, and the caring person she is.

"You can also see the respect, care, and love she has with her staff. Everyone smiles and seems so happy when she walks in the room. I don't believe it is just me whose life she has changed and made day-to-day life better, but other patients and the staff as well. Her positivity shines through all her staff and the whole ward gets the pleasure of soaking up the wonderful environment she has created.

"She has changed my life, given me more life and is a wonderful role model for all staff. As they say, "true heroes don't wear capes", they are people like Miriam."

Congratulations, Miriam, and thank you for all you do.