Creating nutritional ice cream smoothies for frail patients has led to a award.

Ward sister Michelle Harris was honoured for her efforts in the annual NHS Surrey and Sussex Proud to Care Awards.

Ms Harris, who works at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, was one of several Sussex winners and runners up acknowledged for their exceptional care.

Patients, their families, carers and members of the public nominated 109 individuals and teams for their efforts in going the extra mile.

Ms Harris was the individual winner in the courage category for her determination in making the changes to help her patients.


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Other winners included Sally Graham, a community midwife who works for Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, who won the public choice award.

Ms Graham was nominated by a new mum who had been “blown away” by her understanding, support, commitment and encouragement.

The team courage award went to the Filipino Nurses’ team at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

Sue Davis, bereavement lead midwife at the same trust, won the individual compassion award for her care and support.

And the individual communication award was given to their nurse Javaid Azi Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals chief executive Matthew Kershaw said: “ Our success at the Proud to Care Awards is most definitely a reflection of the superb care provided across the trust every day.

“This type of award ceremony is an important way of celebrating this and seeing so many of our staff go up to collect their awards was one of the highlights of my first year as chief executive.”

The community neurological rehabilitation team, based at the Sussex Community NHS Trust, won the team communication award.

NHS England Surrey and Sussex director of nursing and quality, Julia Dutchman-Bailey, said: "The Proud to Care Awards are given to those who have gone the extra mile and delivered exceptional care across Surrey and Sussex.

“All winners and runners-up should be immensely proud of themselves - this is a fantastic achievement.”

The Chelwood Team at the Heather View Care Home in Crowborough were also winners in the public choice category.

The care home team was nominated by a patient’s relative, who said the team was committed, hardworking and provided excellent care and support to all residents.

Sarah Randall, a lung cancer specialist nurse at Worthing Hospital, was awarded for her dynamism and hard work in running clinics.

And the team at Botolphs Ward at Worthing Hospital were recognised for their work to implement national guidelines to support stroke patients to get the right treatment and effective care.

Other Sussex winners included Sophie Biss, neurological intensive care junior sister at Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre in Haywards Heath, who won the individual care award.