At the heart of our hospital community, there is a remarkable woman whose dedication transforms the lives of her patients and inspires her colleagues every single day. Catherine Pride, Dementia Specialist Nurse, stands out not just for her years of experience but for her unwavering passion and genuine compassion.
Catherine’s journey in nursing began back in 1984 at Guy’s Hospital in London. Over the past 44 years, her path has taken her across the globe, from the sunlit shores of the Cayman Islands to the vibrant streets of Spain.
Much of her early career was spent working in bustling Accident and Emergency departments, where she learned the importance of swift, attentive care.
Yet, her heart was truly captured when she returned from the Caribbean to a local care home. It was there she discovered her real calling: ensuring elderly patients receive the quality care they deserve. This passion drove her to specialise further, earning a Master’s degree in dementia studies from Bradford University.
Today, Catherine is the trust-wide dementia specialist nurse, a role she approaches with unwavering dedication. She is an expert who guides and supports our clinical teams in assessing and tailoring care plans for those living with dementia. Her advice and training help staff to understand what matters most to each patient, making their experience less frightening and more comforting. Whether it’s explaining a care plan or offering reassurance, Catherine’s presence helps to create an environment where patients feel safe, even in unfamiliar surroundings.
Her colleagues often speak of her as a force of kindness and commitment. She works tirelessly, always ready to go the extra mile to ensure that not only do our patients receive the highest standard of care, but that staff feel supported in their vital roles. Her enthusiasm for her work is contagious, inspiring everyone she meets. Catherine has a special interest in music therapy, championing young music therapists and involving them in enhancing the lives of our patients. Her talents as an artist are also widely known, with her beautiful creations gracing different areas of the trust, adding colour and warmth to the environment.
Her care and compassion are second to none
A colleague once described her as “an outstanding individual,” adding, “Her care and compassion are second to none."
She supports her colleagues with kindness and patience, always checking in, always listening.
Catherine’s efforts extend beyond the ward; she organised a memorable dementia conference that motivated many staff members and shared her commitment to better understanding and caring for those with dementia. Every week, she hosts ‘Teaching Tuesday’ sessions, inviting students, healthcare assistants, and nurses to learn more about dementia care, fostering a culture of continuous learning and compassion.
Knowing Catherine for many years, her colleagues agree she is more than deserving of the You Made a Difference award. She is a true beacon of hope and kindness, not just within the trust but in the world of dementia care. Her work, her spirit, and her unwavering dedication remind us all that small acts of compassion can lead to extraordinary changes.
"Her care and compassion are second to none," one colleague remarked, capturing the essence of her impact. Catherine Pride’s story is one of inspiring dedication, a reminder that the difference one person makes can truly change lives.