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Being viewed by a patient as their 'safe person' is an amazing testament to any hospital staff member - but none more so than for Nurse Sinead Southwell.

 

Sinead's care and compassion towards an anxious and at times confused epilepsy patient, and the incredible help and support she offered, have been recognised by North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust in its annual awards ceremony.

Sinead, who is based in the Short Stay Unit at Peterborough City Hospital, has been honoured the coveted Health Hero Award.

And there was a surprise reunion for patient Abbie Upton and Sinead, her 'light in times of darkness', at the Peterborough Cathedral ceremony held earlier this month.

 

Abbie and her sister Kiera were among the guests at the Outstanding Achievement Awards to see Sinead receive her trophy from awards host, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire presenter Chris Mann.

During her stay in hospital. Abbie and nurse Sinead bonded over a hair clip that Sinead was wearing.

Abbie from Bourne said: “I love hair accessories and flowers too and we both love pink! Sinead was an incredible part of my recovery because she literally held my hand when I was scared during seizures. 

“Having epilepsy is an experience that makes you feel so alone and scared, but Sinead made me feel safe and befriended me. She will always be someone I am grateful to have met. She is an amazing person with a beautiful heart and mind.

“Being reunited with Sinead at the awards ceremony felt like coming full circle. The first time we met, I needed her. This time, we hugged, chatted about how much time had passed and took a photo together. It no longer felt like we were a patient and a nurse. It simply felt like two girls catching up.''

 

Sinead added: “It was so lovely to see Abbie again. Abbie is a similar age to me and we had similar interests. No one who is young expects to be in hospital or to be ill. It's nice to know that you did make a difference and feels really special to be nominated by her.”

Abbie has now been seizure-free for almost a year, and she has recently graduated to become a counsellor. 

She says Sinead's kindness and support gave her hope for the future and encouraged her to keep going.

2026 Health Hero, Nurse Sinead Southwell receiving her award from awards host Chris Mann - and reunited with her patient nominator, Abbie Upton.

 

Nominations are now open for the Health Hero Award 2027. This coveted award invites the public to nominate members of Team North West Anglia who they believe have played a vital role in providing them with outstanding care Health Hero Award: nomination form