Success for nurse Donna at Health Education Excellence in Education Awards

Donna Phillips, a clinical nurse educator and interim clinical nurse lead, works on the Scotter Ward at John Coupland Hospital in Gainsborough.

And she has now walked away with the special recognition prize at the first ever Health Education Excellence in Education Awards.

Donna said: “I had a fabulous time at the ceremony.

“I was happy with being nominated and shortlisted but I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would win an award.

“I have been nursing for more than 26 years and have been a dedicated clinical nurse educator for more than nine years.

“Every day I learn something new and the team I work with on Scotter Ward are absolutely fantastic and share my enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge and learning.”

Donna’s role sees her overseeing the education of staff and students who are on placement on the ward, including those on work experience, students and return to practice nurses.

Originally nominated for another award, Donna was selected as going the extra mile and shortlisted in the special recognition category at the prestigious new awards.

Donna is a social media champion for the Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, tweeting updates about Scotter Ward from the @scotterwardlchs account on Twitter which sees her interacting with other NHS organisations to share best practice.

She is also a dementia champion and has trained more than 250 people to become dementia friends.

Donna delivers training through a one hour session which is designed to make people think about the small ways to help a person who has dementia, from something as minor as making a cup of tea to crossing the road safely.

She also has a degree in palliative care, is a non-medical prescriber and a trainer for moving and handling.

Khonzie Ndlovu-Gachengo, head of education and workforce development at LCHS, said: “I nominated Donna because she is so inspirational and her passion in education, training and support of staff is so full of enthusiasm.

“The passion when talking to Donna about education and training makes me want to work on Scotter Ward. Together with her compassion and care for her patients it makes me feel proud to be a nurse.

“Donna is an inspirational leader, educator and mentor of the year and emerging leader and I’m really proud of her.”

Donna attended the awards ceremony on Friday, March 11, in Loughborough.