Congratulations to Laura Kirkman, Community Nursing Team Lead for West Mid-Bedfordshire Community Health Services who has been presented with a Cavell Star Award.

The Cavell Star Award is given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who shine bright and show exceptional care to colleagues, their patients and patients families.

Laura has been the team lead for almost a year. During this time, she has created a work environment for the team that has had a positive impact on their wellbeing and team morale.

She has ensured that staff have a nice area to take breaks in and that they move away from their desks to use this space for time to relax. She started a 'breakfast club' to give staff the opportunity to eat a healthy breakfast at some point in morning. Many leave home early and go straight to patient’s homes to see them within their preferred time frame. So a late breakfast has been a god-send in keeping up the nurses energy levels. Team meetings now include bring and share lunches where the team get to bond and voice ideas about improvements. Staff report they feel listened to and are positive about change. This approach has also helped with stress and conflict within the team, improved performance and reduced burnout.

The Cavell Star recognised the support Laura provides to her colleagues. A colleague explained,

"I had a particularly hard visit with a palliative patient which involved breaking bad news to them. Laura ensured that I was well supported emotionally and assisted me to reflect on this which helped my practice going forward."

Another said, “Laura involves everyone at work and has created a positive atmosphere. She motivates the team and is an amazing role model. We are extremely lucky to have her as our lead.”

Which just goes to show how small changes can have a big impact!