Compassionate care earns Nursing Associate RJAH Stars Award

Going above and beyond to support a patient through one of the most difficult periods of her life has earned a Nursing Associate at Shropshire's specialist orthopaedic hospital July's RJAH Stars Award.

Ellie Moore received the award after being nominated by a patient who wanted to recognise the compassion, kindness and reassurance she provided throughout her care.

Amy Dodd, who was an inpatient on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI), credited Ellie with making a profound difference during her stay.

She said: “Ellie cared for me during my stay on MCSI and she is such an amazing, kind and caring woman.

“I went through a very traumatic time, and Ellie always made the time to talk to me and calm my anxiety. At one point, I was put under the care of the mental health team, and during a harrowing time, Ellie took it upon herself to call the mental health team to come help me. If she hadn’t done this, I don’t know if I would still be alive. 

“She is an absolute angel in human form, and a blessing. Anyone who she cares for is very much in the best hands.”

The RJAH Stars Award is a monthly recognition initiative at the Oswestry-based hospital, celebrating individuals and teams who go above and beyond in their commitment to excellence, teamwork and patient care.

Ellie has worked at RJAH for four years, initially in a Healthcare Assistant role before qualifying as a Nurse Associate in March. She now plans to continue on to top-up training to earn her full Nursing qualification.

“I think what this patient went through was traumatic, and to know that I was able to be there for her was more than enough – but this is so unexpected and shows why we do the job that we do,” she said.

“It’s really nice. You don’t do the job for the recognition, but it certainly gives you a boost and encourages you to keep doing the best you can and moving forward in your career.

“Working on Ludlow Ward is fantastic,” she added. “The team are so good and so supportive.”

She was presented with her award by Denise Harnin, Chief People Officer, and received a certificate, voucher and chocolates – thanks to the League of Friends.

Denise said: "Ellie embodies the values we strive for at RJAH. She has shown exceptional compassion and a genuine commitment to putting patients at the centre of everything she does.

"We are incredibly proud to have staff like Ellie at RJAH, and I am delighted to see her receive the RJAH Stars Award."