Much-missed nurse leader honoured with posthumous national award

A hugely respected nurse leader who died suddenly has been honoured with a prestigious national award from the Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Sam Young was Interim Chief Nurse at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital when she died following an accident in June last year.

Now her contribution to the nursing profession has been recognised with a special – and rare – Chief Nursing Officer for England’s Gold Award. The posthumous award was presented to Sam’s partner Roo in a ceremony held outdoors at the hospital today (Wednesday 6 May). As part of the event, an Aeolian Wind Harp was also unveiled on the hospital’s Path of Positivity, recognising Sam’s lifelong love of music.

The Chief Nursing Officer’s Award is an accolade that recognises the exceptional contributions of nurses in their clinical practice, education, research, and leadership. It is presented to nurses who demonstrate excellence in various areas, including patient care, education, research, and leadership.

Duncan Burton, the Chief Nursing Officer for England, was unable to attend, so Jacqueline Barnes, the Regional Director of Nursing for the West Midlands, made the presentation on his behalf.

The harp was then unveiled jointly by Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive at RJAH, and Roo.

Stacey said: “I miss Sam, Sam who I could talk things through with, laugh with and put the world to rights with! I miss her sense of adventure, her calming presence and her optimism.

“Sam joined us at RJAH in 2022, and from day one she demonstrated exemplary nursing leadership, supporting staff across all professions. She promoted a sense of empowerment and engagement, ensuring that everyone felt valued and heard, creating an environment where we truly put patients at the heart of everything we do. She strived for continuous improvement and was not afraid to innovate.”

Also taking part in the ceremony was Harry Turner, the Trust’s Chair, who said: “In Sam, I saw someone who led with empathy and made a significant difference in the workplace, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

“I am delighted that she has received this much-deserved recognition, and that we were able to share the presentation with friends and colleagues from across the hospital.”

Speaking upon the unveiling of the wind harp, Stacey added: “It will stand as a tribute to Sam, gently playing its tune whenever the wind blows. Our Path of Positivity is so popular with staff and patients alike, as it was for Sam and this sculpture will serve as a memory of her for all who pass by it.

“The plaque alongside it is inscribed with a quote from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley: ‘I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.’

“These were words which meant so much to Sam, and which she wrote in the front of every new notebook she started at work. The poem celebrates the writer’s willpower and strength in the face of adversity. They are words which inspired and guided Sam, and now they will stand here to help others too.”

Pictured: With the wind harp unveiled in Sam Young’s memory are, from left, Jacqueline Barnes, representing NHS England; Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive; Harry Turner, Trust Chair; and Sam’s partner Roo.