Northampton nurse given award after caring for sick baby

The hospital's chief nursing officer said Stewart Hilton went "the extra mile"

A paediatric nurse who went "up and beyond" for the parents of a sick baby has been given an award for his care.

Stewart Hilton, a nurse at Northampton General Hospital, was nominated by father Matt Friedel whose son was admitted to hospital aged less than a week old.

Mr Hilton was praised for the "support and advice" he offered.

"Going up and beyond like he did helped me get through the awful days," Mr Friedel said.

His son was admitted to the high dependency unit of the hospital's Paddington ward when he developed a virus that at times stopped his breathing.

He nominated Mr Hilton for a Daisy award, which recognises nurses and midwives for making a difference that patients will never forget.

Mr Friedel said as a medical professional himself he found it hard to "stand on the sidelines" and keep his emotions in check.

"Stewart was brilliant throughout," he explained.

"Not only did he help care for my son, he gave support to my wife and ensured, as a non-medical professional, that she understood what was going on, but he also recognised when I started to struggle.

"At this point he took me aside and gave me the time, support and comfort that I needed.

"He gave me the opportunity to speak candidly about my fears and offered advice and comfort by relaying some of his personal experiences."

The hospital's chief nursing officer, Nerea Odongo, who presented the award, said: "He went the extra mile to ensure that a mother and father were fully involved with the care of their baby son at a very worrying time."