Every day, across our hospital, extraordinary people go above and beyond – not for recognition, but because they care. The You Made a Difference Awards shine a light on those moments of compassion, courage and commitment that truly change lives.
This month, we’re proud to share three remarkable stories:
- Alice Weir, Midwife
- D10 Ward Team
- Nadine Beckwith, Practice Development Sister
You Made a Difference – Winner: Alice Weir, Midwife
When Alice Weir walked through the doors of the Rosie in October 2024, she was stepping into a world she had long dreamed of. Starting her journey on Sara Ward, Alice soon rotated through Lady Mary Ward, the Delivery Unit, Community, and the Birth Centre. Today, she’s completing her preceptorship – a rite of passage for every new midwife.
Alice is a brilliant midwife who has shown great resilience, courage, and strength through the unprecedented challenges of being new in the role.
Claire Warren
From the very beginning, Alice stood out. Her colleagues describe her as someone who never loses her smile, even when faced with the toughest situations. The preceptorship team has been amazed by her ability to rise to every challenge while remaining the sunny, positive presence they all know.
She’s had more than her fair share of difficult moments, but Alice always steps up and goes out of her comfort zone for the sake of those in need.
In September, Alice received three separate nominations – and for good reason. One day, while working in the community at an antenatal clinic, Alice took her lunch break in a supermarket car park. What happened next was something no one could have predicted.
A frantic mother pulled her five-year-old son from the car. He was blue, unresponsive, and had suffered a seizure. There was no time to think. Alice sprang into action.
On her own, she began CPR, calmly instructing the mother on how to give rescue breaths. For five long minutes, Alice worked tirelessly until the ambulance arrived to take the little boy to CUH.
Alice gave excellent clinical care in such challenging circumstances; her bravery deserves to be recognised.
Alice has been qualified for less than a year, yet her actions that day made an extraordinary difference. The boy’s mother later searched for their hero and found Alice through social media. It’s a story that has touched hearts across the Rosie.
We are immensely proud of her. Alice is a credit to the whole CUH family.
Congratulations, Alice. You truly made a difference.
You Made a Difference – Winners: D10 Ward Team
On 9 August, the D10 Ward team faced a moment that would test not only their skills but their compassion. In the middle of a busy shift, news came through: an emergency marriage application had been granted for a patient who was dying and wished to marry their partner that very day.
I am super proud of the team and their achievement. They went above and beyond to make this happen.
Julie Johnston
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. With only a few hours to prepare, the team rallied together. Susan, Mimi, Betsy and Maura led the charge, enlisting help from family and friends to transform the ward’s family room into a wedding venue. Handmade confetti was thrown, music played softly in the background, and the room was filled with love.
The D10 team are kind, caring and compassionate. We call ourselves a family – and that day, they proved it.
By 5pm, the decorations were in place, and the couple stood ready to say their vows. There were tears – from the bride and groom, and from the staff who had worked so hard to make this moment possible. In those few precious hours, the team gave the couple and their family something beautiful: a wedding day filled with dignity, love and joy, despite the circumstances.
Thank you to every single one of you for giving this couple and their family a beautiful wedding under very difficult circumstances.
The D10 team received two separate nominations for their efforts, merged for this recognition. Their actions speak volumes about what it means to care – not just clinically, but humanely. They didn’t just witness a wedding; they made it happen.
Congratulations to the D10 Ward team. You truly made a difference.
You Made a Difference – Winner: Nadine Beckwith
When Nadine Beckwith first stepped onto the cardiology ward as a Healthcare Assistant back in 2008, few could have imagined the journey ahead. From those early days, Nadine’s dedication and warmth have been constants. She completed her nurse training in 2017 and, since 2020, has been the Practice Development Sister on Ward K3 – a role that suits her perfectly.
Nadine is hardworking and excellent at team building. She’s known for her great sense of humour and charming personality.
Joseph Cherian
Her colleagues describe her as the glue that holds the team together. Whether it’s welcoming new staff, supporting overseas nurses who may feel nervous in a new country, or simply listening when someone needs to talk, Nadine is always there.
She’s extremely kind, always listening to staff whenever they have any issues. Extremely welcoming to all our new staff.
Nadine’s skill as a teacher is legendary on K3. She runs extra teaching sessions whenever needed, sharing her knowledge with patience and clarity. Her standards are high, but her approach is gentle and encouraging. She’s the person everyone turns to for guidance – and she never disappoints.
Nadine has very high standards and is always willing to teach others. She puts the patient first, acting as their advocate with empathy and clinical skill.
Her care extends beyond the ward. Every summer, Nadine organises a party for the team – a chance to relax and laugh together away from the pressures of work. It’s just one example of how she goes above and beyond to make life better for those around her.
Nadine’s commitment to patients is unwavering. She consistently gives 120% to ensure the best possible outcomes – advocating for patients, supporting families, and helping colleagues. Her holistic approach means she looks at the bigger picture, working tirelessly to get patients home to their loved ones as soon as possible.
And then there are the little things that speak volumes. Like the day she retrieved dentures from the waste management department because a patient would have been lost without them. For Nadine, no task is too small if it makes a difference.
There is nothing Nadine will not do to help others. She really is an absolute credit and asset to the Cardiology department.
Nadine received four separate nominations in September – a testament to the impact she has on everyone around her. Her colleagues say it best:
You are very much the glue that holds K3 and CCU together. It is an honour to work with you.
Congratulations, Nadine. Thank you for everything you do for your patients and your team. You truly make a difference every single day.