The awards celebrate both the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, and the dedication of the health professionals who “make a real difference to their lives”.
WellChild highlighted that being nominated for one of its awards could “make a real impact on the morale of the winners, their families and others who provide care and support”.
Last year’s event saw children and professionals attend a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London where the winners had the chance to chat with celebrity guests and supporters including royal patrons the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The 2018 professional winners included Geraldine Phillips, paediatric clinical nurse specialist at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, and the Hampshire Hospitals Children’s Community Nurses team from Winchester.
Wendy Green, children’s community nurses clinical matron from the winning team at Hampshire Hospitals, said: “Our team had such a fantastic evening at the WellChild Awards in London.
Geraldine Phillips
Geraldine Phillips receiving WellChild Award with Gaby Roslin, Ed Chamberlin, Georgia May Foote and Matt Allwright
“It was such a great experience for us all to be involved in and something we will never forget,” she said.
She added: “It would be terrific for a child or another professional from our region to be a winner this year.”
If you know someone who deserves special recognition, nominate them for a WellChild Award by visiting the charity’s website. The closing date for entries is 7 May 2019.
Entries for the 2019 awards will be judged by a panel including former winners, health professionals and child health researchers. The awards will be handed out at an event in London in the autumn.
Categories for nominations are as follows:
- Inspirational Child or Young Person – A child or young person between the ages of four and eighteen who has kept smiling against all odds in coping with or overcoming serious illness, and who deserves to be celebrated for their extraordinary courage
- Most Caring Child or Young Person – A special child between the ages of four and eighteen who devotes much of their time and energy freely and lovingly to care for a friend or sibling who is sick
- Nurse – A nurse working with children and young people who goes the extra mile for the children and young people in their care
- Doctor – A doctor working with children and young people who goes the extra mile for the children and young people in their care
- Outstanding Professional Award – A professional who has worked above and beyond for children and young people in their care
- Health Team – A team of doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals, who work together to make a huge difference to the lives of seriously ill children
https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/charities/call-for-award-nominations-for-specialist-childrens-nurses/7028322.article