'Role model' nurse receives national award

Cath Roberts was nominated for the award by a colleague

A Shropshire nurse leader described as "a role model in every sense" has been given a national award for her compassionate care.

Cath Roberts, who is a sister on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, has been awarded a Cavell Star Award.

The accolades are given to nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers who show exceptional care.

Ms Roberts was nominated by a colleague at the hospital in Gobowen, near Oswestry, after she supported a patient with learning difficulties, who was a high-level tetraplegic after breaking his neck.

"Sister Cath is the heart of MCSI," said student nurse associate Sophie Podmore, who nominated her.

She said Ms Roberts "consistently goes above and beyond" for patients and staff".

"We recently cared for a patient with learning disabilities who built a remarkable bond with Cath," she said.

"Despite the complexities of his care, she went above and beyond to ensure he understood everything, taking time to explain each step of his care in a way that made him feel secure and heard.

"She's a role model in every sense."

Ms Roberts said the man had no family nearby, and came to the hospital with only the clothes on his back.

"I got a grant from the League of Friends for him and went shopping," she said.

"I was so grateful to the League, who gave us a grant of £100. I went to Primark and got absolutely loads of clothes and shoes. He was over the moon.

"Sophie nominated me for going out of my way for him, but this is what we do for our patients."

She said the award was "absolutely awesome", and that she felt "really humbled" to receive it.