AN ‘exceptionally special and compassionate’ nurse who worked around the clock to support a family whose little girl had just died received an inaugural award at a surprise ceremony this week.
Sophia Jane Clarke died on June 8 at Barnsley Hospital - exactly a month before her 13th birthday.
She was born with severely complex needs and her parents - 44-year-old Melanie Coles and 45-year-old Paul Clarke - were told that she would not live a long life and would be lucky to reach her third birthday.
But Sophia, described as a ‘fighter’, proved them all wrong and was smiling throughout her life before she died in June.
Paul told the Chronicle: “She was always smiling and always laughing.
“She had a brain disorder, chest infections all the time - she couldn’t walk, sleep or eat.
“She was non-verbal and required 24-hour care.
“But she was still such a happy child.”
When Sophia was admitted to the children’s ward at Barnsley Hospital on June 7, the family were greeted by Angela Taylor - a dedicated nurse who immediately did all she could to ensure everyone was comfortable.
Despite finishing her long night shift, she stayed for hours on the ward to support the Paul, Melanie and grandparents Roy and Sylvia who had just lost Sophia.
It impacted them in such a way that Roy decided to nominate Angela for a Cavell Star Award which is given to nurses who go above and beyond their duty.
Angela is the first member of staff at Barnsley Hospital to receive the award.
Roy arranged the ceremony for Barnsley woman Angela, 52, after being so touched by her compassion - and he said that seeing her face made it all worth it.
He said: “The care and support which Sophia and her parents received from all of the staff at this very special ward was outstanding and our opinion is that all who work there deserve a gold medal.
“Angela was on a night shift during June 7 and during the shift, along with the other excellent members of staff, she provided exceptional emotional support to Sophia’s mum, Melanie.
“On June 8 I received a call from my son Paul who, in a very emotional state, informed me and his mum to come to the hospital.
“From this call I knew the time had come.
“When Sylvia and I arrived we were shown to the side ward where Sophia was by a nurse who was incredibly supportive.
“I found out later in the morning that Angela has finished her night shift, but because she had cared for Sophia she made the decision to remain at work.”
Roy, who led the teary celebration on the children’s ward on Tuesday morning, said it was a great honour to celebrate Angela in this way.
“The decision by Angela to stay was so overwhelming,” he added.
“To remain at work having completed a night shift was over and beyond the call of duty.
“We are all extremely grateful for the care and support provided by Angela - and the rest of the care team.
“In our opinion she’s an excellent ambassador for the children’s ward and the hospital.
“For the dedication she showed it was the family’s belief that she should be recognised in some way.”
Angela had a look of shock when she entered the play room where the ceremony was held - and she admits she never expected anything like this to happen.
“I don’t feel like I deserve this,” she said.
“I’m so surprised and I never expected it.
“You just come to work and do your best.
“It’s always nice - the nicest thing you can have is a thank you.
“They’re an amazing family - I’m so thankful.”
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ANGELA was met with more than a dozen nurses and the family of Sophia on Tuesday who could not praise her hard work enough.
It was the first time that Paul and Melanie had visited to the children’s ward since Sophia’s death two months ago - but they were determined to push through to show their support for Angela.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Angela received the award - and her colleagues say they’re incredibly proud of what she has done.
Becky Hoskins, the deputy director of nursing at the hospital, told the Chronicle: “As a nurse myself it’s a really proud moment to know that someone’s had such an impact on somebody’s life.
“This is a recognition for the whole team but specifically for Angela.
“It makes me immensely proud.
“This is just one example of how the profession can go above and beyond.
“Often nurses will just see this as part of their jobs - but as we’ve seen today it can show the impact it has.”
It was the first Cavell Star Award the trust has received since it signed up to the partnership recently - and there’s hopes that there will be more to come.
Helen Green, the assistant director of nursing, added: “It’s an amazing thing that Angela has done - it’s so caring and compassionate.
“That’s exactly what we want our nurses and midwives to be.
“She built up such a rapport with Melanie - it’s such a hard thing losing a child.
“We’ve all been in tears hearing Sophia’s journey - what a special little girl.”
