Liz Lees

Liz Lees, Chief Nurse, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

While it is usual for DAISY honourees to be given surprise ceremonies on their wards, we had a special surprise for the person who makes the effort to attend almost every celebration to recognise our staff: Chief Nurse Liz Lees!

Liz received the DAISY Nurse Leader Award for her work supporting the staff and these awards, being a shining example of excellence, and helping champion nurse/midwife appreciation throughout the Trust and our community.

Quotes from the nominations:

• “When I read the criteria for Nurse Leader award, I reflect on the impact Liz has had on me, and how she has allowed me to grow as a leader. Liz is very supportive, gives me an opportunity to express, takes times to listen and always returns to an inclusive decision. I see her working tirelessly with a clear insight and guiding vision, which has garnered my respect and admiration.”
• “Liz encouraged us and gave us good advice from her own personal experience. Every time we bump into her, she takes the time to stop and ask if we are getting on okay. This is very reassuring. Liz carries a smile that brightens your day.”
• “She is an inspirational leader who is calm in her presence and cheerful in her demeanour. She is a role model who has offered stability not only to the nursing and midwifery workforce, but to the organisation.”
• “Liz consistently showed her compassion and care for our team’s wellbeing by always being available and approachable when needed.”
• “Liz has been the most supportive Chief Nurse I could have asked for. Liz’ support though throughout has always been unwavering, and for that I have been incredibly grateful.”
• “There is something to be said about a person who you can tell loves their job and their staff by the way they behave in their role. Liz expects excellent care and accountability from everyone and also herself. One of the key roles of a Nurse Leader is to help their staff grow into better nurses. I can say with absolute certainty that I have grown as a nurse, leader, and person under Liz’s leadership.”
• “Liz leads by example. You don’t only see her going round the wards giving support to teams: walk round the wards and you will find Bill Wood, Ann Williams and Aoife McKnight checking on staff wellbeing. It is evident that all Liz’ team are on a journey with her so that we all benefit.”