By Isle of Wight Observer
WellChild Nurse Paula Brooke had the privilege of not only attending the ‘Well Child Awards’ ceremony, but was also placed on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s table.
The WellChild Awards, attended by a host of celebrities and dedicated doctors, nurses, volunteers and families, recognises and celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.
WellChild Nurses like Paula provide essential care and practical support to children and young people with exceptional health needs and their families. They play a crucial role in offering specialist support, enabling children to have the very best quality of life by leaving hospital to be cared for at home. They also help reduce the practical, emotional and financial impact for families.
Paula said: “It was such a special evening and truly inspirational. I have met many wonderful and brave children and their families in my role. Children previously did spend many months in hospital but the support I am able to provide in terms of teaching carers, liaising with professionals, organising respite, care packages and nursing care has reduced length of stay and prevented readmissions in children with complex care needs giving them the chance to thrive and be properly supported at home with their families.”
With hundreds of nominations, the difficult job of choosing winners in the WellChild Award categories is given to an independent panel of judges of leading health professionals and others with an interest in children’s health and includes children and young people who face serious illness themselves.
