Award makes matron Denise a national Star
A community matron from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust has been recognised in a national awards programme.
Denise Slark, a matron for theTrust’scommunityteamin Sunderland, is now the proud holderoftheCavellStarAward aftershewasnominatedbythe Trust’s Older Person’s Team.
The awards are aimed at highlighting the work of nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who inspire those they work with and show exceptional care to patients and their families.
Denise has worked in the NHS for almost 39 years, joining the Trust in 2013.
Her current role involves leading five of the Trust’s community integrated teams across the city.
Most recently, these teams were integral to the successful roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme across the city.
Denise said: “I feel truly overwhelmedandhonouredat beingnominatedforthisaward – it was a complete surprise.
"There is no doubt that the last year has been exceptionally challenging for our community teams, but leading my teams to make a difference for our patients and provide the highest standards of care is what I love most about this job.
MelanieJohnson,executive directorofnursing,midwifery andalliedhealthprofessionals at the Trust, said: “The Cavell Star Award is an excellent way to celebrate our nurses who go aboveandbeyondeverydayfor their patients and colleagues.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that our community nursing teams have demonstrated and it’s fantastic to see that Denise has been recognised for her exceptional leadership during one of the most challenging years the NHS has ever seen.”