Nursery nurse Micki Short has been awarded a Cavell Star Award in recognition of the outstanding commitment and dedication she has displayed towards supporting asylum seeking families who, after enduring a long, arduous and often traumatic journey, have reached refuge in Newcastle.
Micki, who is a member of Newcastle Community’s 0-19 services team, was asked to be part of a team set up to organise and oversee the provision of supportive accommodation in a hotel which was designated for asylum seeking families in Newcastle.
Micki was nominated for the award by Becky Humphreys​, a Specialist Health Visitor for Complex and Vulnerable Families.
She says: “Micki has been involved from the very outset of this initiative and I can honestly say that the accommodation for this vulnerable group of families would not run as smoothly as it does without her.
“The care, compassion and support she offers to every single family she sees is without doubt exemplary.”
Compassion, dedication and true professionalism
Becky continues: “Micki is extremely astute and quickly identifies the huge emotional needs for many parents and their children. She takes extra special care and time to get to know them all and is present at all of the family health assessments supporting her health visitor and school nurse colleagues and arranging, personalised follow up appointments for the children.”
Micki with her award and colleagues
Colleagues describe Micki as incredibly dedicated to these families – if they need something which does not appear to be available, she will source it herself and ensure, wherever possible, the family will receive what they need the following week.
Becky adds “It’s often small acts of kindness which clearly indicate Micki’s true professionalism. For example, meeting the cultural differences with food, in particular for children who are not used or and often dislike what is available to eat. Micki worked with focus groups to instigate an improved menu for the families with a range of healthy options for the children.”
A role model to all
Marie Huscroft, Matron and Lead for Newcastle’s 0-19 Service says “Micki is an outstanding Community Nursery Nurse in our 0-19 service.
“She always goes above and beyond for all children and families in her care, she is a role model to all Nursery Nurses. The difference she makes always striving to ensure that babies and children in Newcastle get the best start in life through her professionalism, enthusiasm and passion is immeasurable and I would like to say a huge ‘Thank you’.’
Associate Director of Nursing Cheryl Teasdale adds “Congratulations to Micki, this is well deserved nomination and a testament to the care and support she gives to babies and children and their families, as well as her colleagues, to whom she is highly regarded for her passion and drive.
“Thank you Micki for all you do.”
Congratulations Micki! A most worthy recipient of this fantastic accolade.
The Cavell Nurse Awards
An inspiring national awards programme, Cavell Star Awards are given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who shine bright and show exceptional care to one of three groups of people:
- their colleagues
- their patients
- their patients’ families
If you know someone who fits the bill and deserves to be recognised then visit the Cavell Nurse Awards website:
