Community staff nurse honoured at Trust OSCARS ceremony

A community staff nurse from the Rushcliffe community nursing team received the Quality Improvement Award at this year’s Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s OSCARS ceremony.

Kay Richardson was awarded the accolade last month at an annual event which honours the remarkable contributions and achievements of the Trust’s dedicated staff and volunteers.

The community staff nurse has significantly improved the level 1 continence service in Rushcliffe, reducing a 2.5-year waiting list to zero in just nine months.

Starting in April 2023, she overhauled operational procedures and boosted support systems, dramatically enhancing patient care.

Her dedication and innovation not only transformed the service but also made a profound impact on patient lives, earning her widespread praise and recognition for her exceptional contributions to community healthcare.

On how it felt to win Kay said : “I was a mixed bag of emotions when I heard my name being called out, I am so honoured that I won this award and I feel very privileged to do a job that I absolutely love, I’ve had some lovely messages from my peers and colleagues, and I feel very humbled to be acknowledged for my work in level 1 continence clinic.

“Above all it’s about the patients, that’s what matters, I want to shine a light on all things bladder and bowels as it is still a very taboo subject and one that patients find very embarrassed to discuss.”

She added: “I feel personally honoured that patients feel I have a safe and trustful environment to discuss what they are going through. I am overwhelming thankful and grateful for this award.”

The event marked the twenty-first year of these prestigious awards. With nearly 800 nominations received, the evening was a testament to the high regard in which the Trust’s staff and volunteers are held.

The event featured twelve award categories, including Unsung Hero, Outstanding Care, Team of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year.