Patrícia Pereira, Ward Sister and Manager of Necton Ward, has more than 15 years’ nursing experience and has spent 13 of those years caring for patients at The QEH.
Known for her calm leadership, strong patient advocacy and commitment to fairness, kindness and compassion, Patrícia was praised for consistently putting patients at the heart of everything she does while creating a supportive and professional environment for her team.
Patrícia received The QEH’s Outstanding Contribution to Living Our Values Award on Monday 27 April, when she was surprised by colleagues on Necton Ward and presented with the award by Interim Chief Nurse, Dawn Collins.
Originally from Portugal, Patrícia trained as a nurse there before moving to the UK and now leads Necton Ward, which specialises in respiratory care – an area that requires strong leadership, clear decision-making and compassion under pressure.
Speaking after receiving the award, Patrícia said: “I have no words – I’m speechless. I feel that if you work well with your team, they will work well for you, and they feel happy to come to work knowing that there is a supportive manager available for them. I’ve got a great team and they’re very good at supporting me.”
Her nomination highlighted the impact she has on patients, families and colleagues every day. It read: “On a daily basis, Patrícia upholds the Trust’s values of Kindness, Wellness and Fairness. She demonstrates a professional attitude towards her work and problem solving.
“Patrícia is supportive, empathetic and understanding with her work colleagues and staff. She makes time and effort to speak to both patients and relatives daily, ensuring any concerns or complaints are dealt with efficiently. Patrícia demonstrates excellent advocacy skills with her patients and is not afraid to question, seek and obtain the information required in order to ensure best patient care and experience.
“Her years of experience as a nurse and ward manager have enabled Patrícia to run an effective and professional ward environment with patient care at the heart of the ward. Ward staff, both clinical and non-clinical, feel that she is approachable, understanding and fair but firm in her decision-making, while also being compassionate, composed and supportive when colleagues require help with personal or professional issues.
“Patrícia meets new ideas and ways of working with an open mind, supports staff when change is introduced, and continuously upholds not just the Trust’s values, but her professional and personal values as a nurse.
“Patrícia makes coming to work a pleasure. To work with her and for her, she embodies what a nurse should stand for, both from a professional point of view and a patient’s perspective.”
Dawn Collins, Interim Chief Nurse at The QEH, said: “It was wonderful to recognise a fellow nurse for her leadership, kindness and compassion. She embodies the values of nursing, and it completely filled me with joy to see so many colleagues wanting to get involved to congratulate Patrícia on her award. It speaks volumes about how valued she is by her team and by patients.”
The Living Our Values Awards celebrate staff from across Team QEH who go above and beyond in their roles, whether clinical or non-clinical. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of 20 staff from across the Trust, with the top three then considered by senior leaders including the Lead Governor who select the overall winner.
If you know somebody working at the hospital who demonstrates our values of Kindness, Wellness and Fairness in their actions you can nominate them for a ‘Living Our Values’ awards here.
The monthly Living Our Values award is part of The QEH’s reward and recognition programme which is funded by The QEHKL Charity.
Ends. Notes to editors; Please note that Tuesday 12 May is International Nurses Day.
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