Nurse Rachel recognised for her hard work and determination supporting young people with pain management
A huge ‘congratulations’ to the latest winner of our coveted DAISY Award, Rachel Desai, a Nurse Consultant who supports young people with pain management at our Children’s Hospital.
She received a special nomination from a family she cared for and supported. They wanted to say ‘thank you’ and recognise the positive impact her unwavering commitment to providing tangible pain management methods had for their child, who is a cardiac patient.
It told of how Rachel took time to speak with their son to understand his situation, which made a huge difference.
The nomination said, “It's difficult to articulate the impact the appointment had on both my son and us as a family. He feels so much better just knowing there are tools in place to help him. Although there is still a journey ahead, it is like a weight has been lifted.
“He’s managing his way through the pain differently, trying various ways to cope. I think that’s making him feel like he has more autonomy and isn’t totally out of control of things.”
As is the case with all of our DAISY Award winners, Rachel was surprised with her certificate, winners’ pin badge, ‘Healer’s Touch’ statue and cinnamon rolls (shared with colleagues). Daljit Athwal, our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Heather Petts, Associate Director of Nursing (Medicine) and Natalie Harford, Associate Director of Nursing (Surgery) stopped by to make the presentation.
Rachel said: “I was very surprised to receive this award.
“I set up the clinic to help young people and their families. The nomination was completely unexpected. I am very grateful to the patient’s family.”
Daljit said: “It was really exciting to present Rachel with this much-deserved award.
“I am absolutely inspired by her skills, knowledge and her compassion within the work she does. She is amazing in what she does.”
If you know someone who has made a difference to you as patient and/or family member please do nominate them for a DAISY Award, which is kindly supported by our Charity.
Doing so is easy. Simply head to our DAISY Award website pages and share details on why the person you’re nominating is so deserving.