NHS70: UHCW nurses named as national stars

Specialist nurses Hannah Martin and Paula Taylor from the Neurosciences Department have always been stars as far as staff and patients at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust are concerned, but now the two have received national recognition!

The pair have both been named in a national list of 70 people and teams who have made an exceptional contribution to the NHS and the wider health and care sector.

Hannah, who cares for people living with Parkinson’s, and Paula, who treats people with Adult Epilepsy, were named 19^th and 21^st respectively in a national poll by the NHS Confederation to mark the NHS’ 70^th birthday.

Paula and Hannah’s secretary Jackie Hughes put them both forward for the poll of over 230 people and teams, which was decided by a public vote.

As well as the two UHCW nurses, the list of 70 stars includes the late Dr Kate Granger, who set up the nationally-used “Hello My Name Is” campaign, Chief Executives and Chairs of national bodies and NHS Trusts, and even former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

It’s extra special for Paula and Hannah to share the honour, as they have worked together at UHCW for over 15 years.

Paula was one of Hannah’s mentors when she first started at the Trust in 2001.  Hannah also followed in Paula’s footsteps by setting up the specialised nursing service for people with Parkinson’s in 2009, five years after Paula had established a similar nursing service for people with epilepsy.

Paula, who lives in Nuneaton, said: “I was really grateful to be nominated, but shocked too, as providing care to patients is why we come to work.” 

Hannah, from Barby near Rugby, said: “I’m really humbled by being named on this list, as I don’t feel that I do anything different – I’m just so proud to work for the NHS at UHCW, especially as the NHS celebrates its 70^th birthday.

“I’m especially proud as this raises the profile of both Parkinson’s and epilepsy locally and nationally.  I’d like to thank Jackie for putting us forward, and everyone who voted for us, as I know we had a lot of support from our UHCW colleagues, including our individual specialist teams, respective charities Epilepsy Action and Parkinson’s UK, and the Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist Association.”

Paula added: “Both Hannah and I come to work each day to help people manage their conditions and live as normal a life a possible, whether they have epilepsy or Parkinson’s Disease.

“We wouldn’t be here without the team of doctors, nurses and support staff in both our services, and are fortunate to be valued as equals and specialists within our Neurology team.”

Tracey Brigstock, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “I am immensely proud to have two of our UHCW senior nurses recognised for their exceptional contribution to the NHS in its 70^th year, especially as this was decided by a public vote”.