'Outstanding nurse and human being' scoops Seren Betsi Award
An ‘outstanding nurse and human being’ has been presented with a surprise award for his commitment to deliver the very best care to adults with learning disabilities.
Kevin Jones, a Learning Disability Nurse at the Tan y Coed rehabilitation unit at Bryn y Neuadd Hospital in Llanfairfechan has become the latest member of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board staff to receive the Seren Betsi Star award.
The monthly award recognises the hard work and dedication of NHS staff and volunteers across North Wales.
Tan y Coed is a rehabilitation unit that enables people with learning disabilities to live as independently as possible, while receiving person centred support from a range of healthcare professionals.
Kevin was nominated for the award by his colleague, Beth Woolley, who described his enthusiasm and patient care as being ‘second to none’.
She said: “Providing person-centred holistic care can be difficult for patients who have learning disabilities. However, Kevin’s thorough and positive approach to his work makes it seem effortless. Nothing goes unnoticed and nothing is too much effort.
“Kevin is a hard working nurse, and as such his efforts, enthusiasm, empathy, thoroughness, positivity and knowledge deserve to be recognised. He is a model nurse and proves his worth daily.
“Kevin also plays a key role in keeping staff morale high and making the workplace an enjoyable and friendly place to work.”
Tan y Coed Manager, Dewi Evans, praised Kevin’s “thoughtful caring and compassionate” approach to nursing. He added:
“Kevin is not only an outstanding staff nurse but is also an outstanding human being.
“He is always ready to take on and commit to a project as he did with the three years of hard work he put in in pursuit of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Quality Network for Learning Disability Services Accreditation for Tan y Coed.
“Outside his fantastic work as a staff nurse, he will take on a range of voluntary tasks and chores.
“He is an integral part of the Tan y Coed nursing team and is a credit to learning disability nursing.”
Presenting Kevin with the award, Will Williams, Head of Operations for Specialist Services at BCUHB, said:
“Kevin is a very worthy winner of the Seren Betsi award and very much fits the bill of an unsung hero with over 30 years of dedicated service. He is a skilled practitioner and is described by his colleagues as having a very calming and supportive influence on the staff team by bringing to the fore his years of experience and knowledge. As a management team we are delighted that Kevin’s years of dedication and hard work is being recognised with this award.”