The Children’s Choice Award recognises someone who has made a significant difference to a child or young person undergoing treatment in hospital, at home or in the community. It’s a “thank you” in recognition of the difference they’ve made to a child’s world. Today we are delighted to unveil our Scottish Children’s Health Award winner – Wendy Taylor.
Wendy’s story is captured below by journalist and TV Presenter Catriona Shearer.
Wendy is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Schiehallion unit (haematology/oncology) at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. She works with all age groups from babes in arms to teenagers and her role spans nursing and medical, but, she says, her focus is always on the young people and their families. “We work to create trust with young people and their families, to walk with them on their journey, managing their health needs, supporting them, assisting them and being there for them.”
For the families of young people receiving treatment, it can be a frightening time and Wendy recognises this. “These families have to trust us with their precious ones. It can be a very scary time when your child is unwell, but we are there for them, managing their care, looking after them. We are the ‘well kent’ face!”
Wendy says she and her colleagues work hard to “try to normalise the abnormal,” and this was reflected in the judges’ decision. The panel was impressed with how Wendy can translate complex medical information to families with non-medical backgrounds, making difficult times easier for parents. The panel especially noted Wendy’s ability to support all her patients but also her personal interest of trying to help with what was important to each individual child.
The fact that Wendy was nominated by a parent of a patient in her care is testament to her dedication to helping families whose young person is receiving treatment. ”The first I knew about this award was when the Dad called me at work,” she says. “I was completely taken aback, speechless, which is rare for me! It’s very humbling, as this family is going through treatment, which is intense, and they have found the time to think of others.”
Getting to know the families and extended families well is one of the most enjoyable areas of Wendy’s work, as well as “the banter, the smiles, laughter and cuddles.” She says watching them cope admirably with the diagnosis, treatment and how they adjust is fulfilling.
Wendy says it’s such a privilege to be nominated and to be recognised for the work she and her colleagues do. “It can be a hard job and a rewarding job in the same day.”
“We walk this journey up Schiehallion with these families, and like any Scottish hill we don’t know what the top will be like, but we are always there for them.
“In the words of Jackie Chan ‘Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life’.”
Congratulations Wendy on winning the Children’s Choice Award.
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