A district nurse who cares for patients in their homes has won a national award as recognition for outstanding work on a special nursing programme.
Hayley Adams, a district nursing sister at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, has received a Philip Goodeve-Docker Memorial Prize from the Queen’s Nurse Institute (QNI).
The award is a result of work Hayley has carried out while studying for her district nursing qualifications at Teesside University.
As part of her studies, Hayley carried out a project to improve catheter treatment to patients in the community.
Hayley said: “I didn’t even know I had been nominated for this award, so I was so surprised and delighted.
“Every nurse who wants to become a district nurse needs this postgraduate diploma.
“I have been really passionate about being a district nurse for a long time, especially with helping patients with end of life care.
“Ever since doing my student management placement as a pre-registration nurse, I knew I loved district nursing and knew it was for me.
“Most patients want to be cared for in their own homes, where they are most comfortable.”
Hayley, who is based in Billingham Health Centre, is part of a district nursing team who care for patients across Stockton and Hartlepool.
The team give patients medicines by injection, provide wound care and palliative care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hayley added: “I wouldn’t want to do anything else but district nursing and palliative care – it is a privilege and a passion.
“I want to thank my colleagues and my tutors for all of their help with this qualification, I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Phillippa Lillie, operational matron in the district nursing team, said: “We are so proud of Hayley and I want to congratulate her on this achievement. She deserves this recognition for all of the dedication she has shown.”