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Coveted Silver Chief Nursing Award for Bernadette

Bernadette Edwards, Assistant Director of Nursing System and Professional Development in the South West, has been honoured for her contributions to the NHS by Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Bernadette has received the silver award at the Chief Nursing Officer Awards, recognising her achievements, leadership and innovative ways of working.

Ruth May launched the Chief Nursing Officer for England and Chief Midwifery Officer Awards at the CNO Summit in 2019. The Silver award recognises major contributions to patients and the profession.

Sue DohenySouth West Regional Chief Nurse, said:

“Over the past two years Bernadette has successfully led the Continuing Healthcare team across the South East and South West regions, designing new ways of working, improving productivity and efficiency of the statutory regional Independent Review Continuing Healthcare process, which has resulted in there being a zero backlog.

“Bernadette took on a team that was challenged with delivering the statutory Independent Review Continuing Healthcare process and needed to get an improvement in CCG contribution to the panels, as well as improving the Chairs productivity and effectiveness.

“To achieve this Bernadette redesigned the whole process within the context of the policy. She developed additional training for Chairs, supported discussion with CCG DNs to ensure CCG availability at panels, and planned the trajectories for delivery to improve the process for families.

“Bernadette has worked over and above to absolutely support CCG DNs to improve their understanding and buy in to a revised process. In addition, Bernadette has led the process to develop two separate South East and South West teams.

​​​​​​​“Throughout the process Bernadette supported the professional development of the Continuing Healthcare team, which has grown significantly during a very challenging time.”

Bernadette said:

“On receiving the Chief Nursing Officer of England Silver Award for recognising major contributions to patients and the profession, for nurses and midwives, I was completely floored and surprised! I recall thinking I have no words “where are my words?” and was rendered speechless and for those who know me will not recognise me lost for words.

“I’m so proud to be awarded this prestigious award and feel honoured and humbled to have been recognised for my leadership and transformation in the field of nursing, within a particularly challenging period within the NHS.

“My passion and drive continues to focus on being a strong and confident voice, building the reputation of nurses and the profession. For me this is currently focused particularly in areas where nurses are perhaps more hidden and yet add such value to patient care for example NHS Continuing Healthcare and General Practice Nursing where nursing assessment, review and oversight of care is vital to support some of our most vulnerable population.

“During the Covid pandemic these nurses have been paramount in both supporting patients to remain safe but to showcase their skill set and their ability to adapt and adopt new ways of working to support Primary Care, care homes and hospitals. An even smaller team of nurses and administrators cover an element of statutory duty within NHS England where we oversee the NHS Continuing Healthcare Independent Review of decisions made by CCGs on NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility.

“It’s not the most glamourous of roles but is delivered with respect and compassion to families and individuals who may have had a lengthy journey throughout NHS Continuing Healthcare.

“Finally I just want to thank my team in South West and South East who made this a reality for me to receive this award and also the people who I consider to be my role models and the leaders to whom I aspire to be within the nursing profession.”