Case study: Award-winning nurse wants to give back to Londoners

A kind-hearted south London nurse wants to give back to her patients through her work after her recent award success.

Ashley Payne, 27, a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network South London Clinical Research Nurse, was presented with a Next Generation Nightingale Nurse Award. The presentation took place at St Thomas' Hospital in Governors' Hall alongside 65 others.

To receive this Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust award, nurses and midwives must provide evidence from their managers, peers and patients of their outstanding practice and how they demonstrate the organisation's values daily. They must also complete a programme of academic work accredited by King's College London. Ashley said:

"It is an honour, and I feel incredibly proud to have been presented with such a prestigious award. The award is unique to Guy's and St Thomas', with around 300 nurses having successfully received it since it launched in 2017. It shows how nurses and midwives are recognised for their efforts, and my success is an opportunity to celebrate and inspire others.

"I've always had a desire to help and care for people in a meaningful way. It feels rewarding knowing that you are making a difference in someone's life whilst doing a job that you enjoy.

"I love change and seeing the difference and impact that research has on patients' care, whether it be a new drug, preventing diseases, new treatment options or detection. Medical care constantly evolves, and I enjoy being a part of that hugely positive impact."

The award was named in honour of pioneering nurse Florence Nightingale. She established her first nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in 1860. The award is unique to Guy's and St Thomas'.

The Nightingale Nurse and Midwife Award is part of the Nightingale Academy at Guy's and St Thomas'. The academy was created to provide a platform for innovation in practice and service development, education and research in nursing and midwifery.

In the past, nurses who trained at the Nightingale nursing school and worked at St Thomas' Hospital for more than a year received a special blue badge. The nurses were known as 'Nightingales.' The blue badge was phased out after the school was transferred to King's College London, with the last badge being issued in 1996.

You can learn more about the award ceremony on the Guy's and St Thomas' website.