'Dedicated' nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients receives award
18 November, 2022
A nurse who went above and beyond for her patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has received a special award.
Mared Jones-Owen was the winner of The Extra Mile Award at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Achievement Awards.
During COVID-19, many patients expressed reticence to attend the IV clinic in Ysbyty Alltwen, so to reduce footfall and risk, IV Lead Nurse Mared attended to many patients in their own homes.
In particular, Mared was highlighted for displaying outstanding dedication in the most sensitive and professional way during a time when she cared for a single father and his son, with the father receiving palliative care in his home during the pandemic.
Louise Davies, who works within Practice Development and Quality Improvement team in the West of the Health Board, who nominated Mared for the award, said: “This particular patient wanted to receive his blood transfusions at home with his son and Mared continued to support them both as much as possible and visited his home several times a week.
“Unfortunately after a few months his health did deterioriate and he asked Mared to be the one that explained to his son about his prognosis, Mared not only explained the situation to the son but also helped him to make a memory box of his father and supported both father and son through a very sad and traumatic time in the midst of the pandemic.”
This gentleman passed away peacefully in December and the whole family were so grateful for the support they received from Mared and through her kindness and administering the weekly infusions the patients family and his son were gifted an extra year together.
“Mared always goes the extra mile not only for the benefit of her patients but for everyone she meets. In this particular situation she made a very traumatic and sad time as positive as possible and is a true inspiration.”
Mared, who was unable to attend the award ceremony, was presented with the award from West’s Integrated Health Community Nursing Director, Janw Hughes-Evans at Ysbyty Alltwen.
Janw said: “Mared is an individual who draws upon all aspects of her knowledge, skills and individualism to provide care above and beyond what her role requires.
“Congratulations Mared – this award is truly deserved.”
Nick Napier-Andrews, Head of Client Solutions and Clinical Services for award sponsor ID Medical, said: “Going the extra mile is something we all associate with the care and dedication provide by NHS staff.
“All three nominees showed exemplary effort in supporting their patients and colleagues. Special congratulations to Mared for her efforts in winning this award.”
Jez Nash, Director of Sales for overall award sponsor Centerprise International, said: “I was delighted to hear the outstanding stories of kindness, care, compassion and bravery in the face of adversity shown by the finalists at the BCUHB awards.
“This is the fifth year that Centerprise International has sponsored these awards, and year-on-year we continue to be amazed at the lengths NHS staff in North Wales go to to support both patients in the area and their colleagues.
“Congratulations not just to tonight’s winners, but to everyone who was shortlisted for this year’s awards.”