UHNM nurse thanks colleagues for saving her life

Two nurses from University Hospitals of Noth Midlands (UHNM) have been credited for saving a colleague’s life by receiving a national prestigious award. 

Rebecca Beckett, General Surgical Matron at UHNM nominated both Karen Eptlett and Chris Beckett for helping her during a difficult time in her life.  

The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses and Midwives recognises the extraordinary, compassionate care that nurses and midwives provide to their patients and their families every day.

Rebecca and Chris Beckett first met at UHNM in Critical Care as colleagues back in 2008 and since have gone onto marry and have five children. 

Rebecca said: “Chris has always had a passion for acute care and critical illness and during his 20-year career I have often been in awe of some of the remarkable things he has done which have been nothing shy of going above and beyond being just a nurse.

“Our personal circumstances changed when I became seriously unwell. His judgement and rapid critical thinking led him decide he had no time to wait for the ambulance service as my condition deteriorated before his eyes so he drove me to UHNM from our home in a small village on the Shropshire border during cold and icy winter conditions. While I received lifesaving intervention and was transferred to critical care, he stayed by my side 24 hours a day for days and for him having to undo his knowledge and be “the relative” was incredibly hard.

“He has cared for and supported me endlessly and thanks to both him and Karen I am back at work and doing well. Chris is also back doing what he does and knows best which is caring and treating patients at UHNM. He has a bigger impact on people than he realises, he is selfless and nothing shy of an asset to UHNM and the wider nursing community. He makes me proud to be not only a nurse but to call him my husband, I really do owe this man my life.” 

Chris, who is now an Advanced Nurse Practitioner at UHNM, said: “I am speechless. I only did what any husband would do, and I am so honoured to receive this award nomination from my wife.” 

Rebecca also jointly nominated her colleague and friend Karen Eplett, Surgical Divisional Nurse Director at UHNM, for the kindness and compassion she showed to her and her family following her hospital admission. 

Rebecca said: “I have had the pleasure of working alongside Karen for the entirety of my nursing career. She is a role model who cares, educates, inspires and creates a sense of belonging in such a diverse division providing leadership to nursing and non-nursing colleagues. 

“Karen adds something special when it comes to dealing with individual circumstances and during my personal illness the care and compassion shown to myself and my family resonated throughout my time away from work. Karen showed support not only for me but my husband and children and for this I will be indebted forever, and I will carry with me for the rest of my life as a nurse. There are not enough words to express my personal gratitude and my sense of inspiration, but Karen is the epitome of what a leader should be, going above and beyond for her colleagues and patients.”  

Chris and Karen received their awards from Chief Nurse Ann-Marie Riley accompanied by other UHNM colleagues. They also received a DAISY pin badge and Healer’s Touch sculpture.

Karen said: “This is totally unexpected and a complete honour and privilege to receive an award like this and it means more that it has come from Becky. At the end of the day I am only doing my job but everyday I aim to do that job with compassion and treat others how I would like to be treated so receiving this award is lovely.” 

UHNM Chief Nurse, Ann-Marie Riley said: “What an honour it is to present both Chris and Karen with the Daisy Award. I am so proud to be able to recognise such high-level care and compassion and it is clear that they both go the extra mile for their patients with great empathy. It makes me very proud to see staff rewarded for the extraordinary care that they deliver to people, often at very difficult times in their lives.”