A new award to recognise the contribution of nurses who go above and beyond to help patients has now launched across the Trust.

The DAISY Awards is an international recognition programme that honours and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care provided by nurses and midwives each day.

Oxford Health employs more than 1,700 nurses who are eligible to be nominated and, especially given the extra challenges the pandemic has brought over the last year, it is felt that now is a good time for Oxford Health to join the DAISY family.

DAISY describes itself as a partnership with healthcare organisations to provide on-going recognition of the clinical skill and especially the compassion nurses provide to patients and families all year long.

The Story of DAISY

The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of ITP, an auto-immune disease. The Barnes Family were overwhelmed by the clinical skills, care and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created this international award as a recognition to nurses everywhere.

Each award will be the result of a nomination from a patient, family member/carer or a colleague. Nominations received will be blinded and scored by the DAISY selection committee.  Once a selection is made – eligibility will be verified with the nominee’s manager and arrangements made for the surprise award giving event.

An international award for our nurses

Marie Crofts, Oxford Health’s Chief nurse, said: “Nurses do what they do because they are hardworking, caring and professional and the results of their efforts can be seen in the thousands of people who receive care from Oxford Health”.

“The DAISY Award is an opportunity for patients to say thank you by sharing their story of how a nurse made a difference”

“DAISY has already been taken up by a number of NHS Trusts so has recognition across the profession Oxford Health believes that now, following the immense challenges that our nursing teams have risen to during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the perfect time to introduce and launch the awards.”

How can I nominate someone?

Nominations can be made by visiting our dedicated webpage or by scanning the QR code.

All nominees will receive a letter of recognition or a DAISY nominee pin. There will be events held quarterly by the Chief Nurse to acknowledge all those who have been nominated for a DAISY award. Each DAISY Award Honouree will be recognised at a public surprise ceremony in their ward or department.  The invite for attendance will be extended to the nominator and the Honouree’s family.

For more information?

Please contact the DAISY Coordinator DAISYAwards@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk