Award presented in memory of dedicated leader and mum

Award presented in memory of dedicated leader and mum

13 May 2015

LORNA Telford was determined to create a memorable legacy for her husband and daughters during her battle with terminal cancer.

When the 49 year-old mother of two from Downpatrick lost that battle in September, her husband David and daughters Emma and Evie were comforted by video diaries and keepsake boxes she had painstakingly prepared to help keep their family memories alive.

As well as her unwavering dedication to family, Lorna was committed to her professional life and was focused on ensuring excellent patient care within the South Eastern Trust where she was assistant director for safe and effective care.

Almost eight months after her death, her former employers have now created their own legacy in her memory through the launch of an award in Lorna’s name recognising care and compassion in nursing and midwifery.

The first Lorna Telford Care and Compassion Award was presented yesterday at an event held to coincide with International Nurses Day. The first recipient was Angela Patterson, a nurse specialist for bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Credited for focusing on her patients and encouraging them not to suffer in silence, Mrs Patterson was praised for having helped people over many years to deal with distressing conditions.

Presenting the award to Mrs Patterson, Director of Nursing, Older People and Primary Care within the South Eastern Trust, Nicki Patterson, said the award had been created by Lorna’s colleagues who hold her memory dear.  

“We value the impact and influence she made on individual staff and the professions of nursing and midwifery throughout the Trust,” she said.

“Lorna was a role model for the professions with a relentless focus on compassionate patient care and pursuit of high quality standards.  

“By presenting an award for care and compassion in nursing and midwifery on a bi-annual basis, we aim to continue to remember the attributes that she displayed and the values we wish to emulate throughout the nursing and midwifery professions in the Trust.  

Lorna’s husband David, who attended the award presentation with 18 year-old Emma and 12 year-old Evie, said he was very touched by the creation of the award in her name and also by the tributes paid by those who worked with Lorna, who have described a supportive, compassionate and approachable professional leader. However, he said he was not surprised by the Trust’s decision.

“It was emotional to read former colleagues’ deions of Lorna and how she made staff feel valued and encouraged,” he said.

“Lorna was totally dedicated to her job and was an inspirational leader, known for her integrity and professionalism. That is the person Lorna was at work, and that is also the person she was at home.

“I think she would be very pleased her contribution to an organisation she was devoted to is being recognised in this way.

“Lorna believed in being rewarded for hard work and that is exactly what this award is doing. I hope this award inspires staff to aspire to the high standards Lorna set herself and the organisation.”

Emma said she thought her mum would have been very pleased to receive the award, which she said was a lovely tribute to her.

“The award recognises our mum’s work ethic and the dedication she had to her job and the organisation,” she said.