Torbay neonatal nurse praised as ‘truly special’ after national honour

A neonatal nursery nurse at Torbay Hospital has received a national award recognising her outstanding contribution to patient care.

Jenny King, who works on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the Chief Nursing Officer healthcare support worker award from NHS England.

The award recognises the significant and outstanding contribution made by nursing and midwifery healthcare support workers.

Jenny was nominated for her “outstanding compassion, professionalism and advocacy” in supporting babies and families on the Special Care Baby Unit. Her nomination highlighted her ability to build trusting relationships, empower families during an unexpected neonatal journey, and consistently deliver high-quality, personalised care that positively impacts both family experience and team culture.

Her nomination said: “Jenny is an optimistic ball of energy, passion and commitment whose influence positively impacts her colleagues on the Special Care Baby Unit and the babies and families she cares for. She consistently receives heartfelt feedback from families expressing gratitude for her care.

“Her knowledge, skill and expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and psychosocial needs of neonates and mothers/partners is comprehensive, with a strong focus on working alongside families to help them develop close and loving relationships during an unexpected neonatal hospital stay.

“Jenny is wonderful to be around and positively enhances the work environment - her humour and goodwill are infectious. She is highly regarded and respected by colleagues and families and is committed to continually improving the experience for babies and families.”

The Trust’s Chief Nurse, Nicola McMinn, presented Jenny with her award last week, with some of her colleagues in attendance.

In a message shared by the Trust, colleagues said: “A huge well done to Jenny! We are so proud of you and incredibly lucky to work alongside you.”

The announcement on the Trust’s Facebook page prompted dozens of messages from former patients and families who had experienced Jenny’s care first-hand.

One parent wrote: “Congratulations Jenny! We are forever grateful for all of the support, care and kindness you gave to us as a family over the years. You really lifted us up during our time in SCBU and I'm so thankful you were there for us all. You are amazing in all that you do. You always go above and beyond. Just a truly special person.”

Another commented, “Jenny receiving this award does not surprise me, she is absolutely amazing!”

A mother added: “Jenny looked after my little boy (and me) back in May 2024! She was one of my favourite faces to see and as a first time mum was a huge support - I will never forget what she did for us and Very well deserved!”

Another family said: “Jenny was incredible when our little boy was in SCBU. She made a very tricky time more bearable.”

The award shines a spotlight on the vital role healthcare support workers play in neonatal care, supporting some of the Trust’s smallest and most vulnerable patients and their families during what can be an anxious and emotional time.