HERS is the face you might recognise working tirelessly providing care for young people with diabetes.
Nurse Jo Summerton has been nominated for the Daily Echo’s Reader’s Choice Award.
The award is part of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust Hospital Heroes awards and we are searching for our very own hospital unsung hero.
Jo, a paediatric diabetic nurse at Southampton General Hospital, was nominated by paitient Bethan Taylor.
Bethan began receiving care from Jo in 2006 until she moved to an adult ward.
The 21-year-old said: “As a child who struggled massively with the control of my diabetes and mental health as a result of the pressures of managing my illness, Jo was there for me every step of the way.
“She goes above and beyond to help those in her care, she is passionate and hard working and I honestly do not know what I would’ve done without her.
“There is no one I know more deserving of this award.”
When 42-year-old Jo found out about her nomination she said: “I am totally honoured to have been nominated and quite blown away.
“I haven’t seen Bethan in a few years so this is a total surprise.”
Jo, from Hedge End, said she cared for Bethan since her diagnosis.
She added: “I feel privileged to work closely with my patients.
“I can work with some people for a number of year, so we really form a relationship with them
“We see them grow and help them cope with their diabetes while they grow up.”
“I’m passionate about looking after children and young people with diabetes and providing them social and psychological support is really important.”
This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Sarah Hartfree, a paediatric rheumatology nurse specialist at Southampton Children’s Hospital.
You still have time to nominate your unsung hospital hero for an award.
We are looking for dedicated hospital champions who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others. A cheerful volunteer, a nurse working long hours, or a midwife bringing a new born baby into the world, are all worthy of a nomination
To nominate, email georgia.jackson@dailyecho.co.uk, call 023 8028 4472, or write to Georgia Jackson, Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX.
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