Two Guy’s and St Thomas’ trust nurses who go “above and beyond” in their work have been given awards as part of the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) black history month celebrations.
Mercedes Miguel, a community stroke clinical nurse specialist, and Julia Gangata, a cath lab sister at Harefield Hospital in west London, were named ‘rising stars’ by nursing chiefs. Harefield Hospital is managed by the Guy’s and St Thomas’s trust.
The awards celebrate nurses who “bring about meaningful improvements” for black and ethnic minority patients and act as role models in creating a more inclusive environment.
Mercedes, from south London, supports patients and families as they adapt their home life following a stroke. She worked with the community clinical psychologist and created support groups for staff, to provide education and guidance as well as to help understand the views of black, Asian and minority ethnic patients. These have continued as monthly support groups.
Mercedes said: “I am humbled to have received the RCN London Rising Star Award. I am very grateful to be working with the community stroke team as we offer and advocate equitable access for all individuals and their families in the community.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our team has worked together and re-organised priorities to ensure patient safety. Each individual on the team has been flexible and adaptable in these circumstances and we continue to look after each other as a family.”
Avey Bhatia, chief nurse for Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “I am so proud of Mercedes and Julia for going above and beyond to care for their patients and colleagues during the Covid-19 pandemic. They are wonderful role models who embody our trust values.”