Nurse who aided victims of flood on her days off put up for award

A Scottish nurse who became a lifeline to sick patients forced out of their homes in floods has been nominated in the Sunday Post category of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland Awards.

Denise Harrison, a GP practice nurse who tended to patients who had to flee for safety during the floods in Brechin, worked tirelessly on her days off to attend patients moved to hotels for safety.

A patient who needed daily care for his dressings was among those cared for over weekends while the nurse also looked after her three sons at home.

He was stuck in his hotel after losing his mobility scooter in the floods in October.

The Brechin Medical Practice nurse was also part of a team of volunteers who collected and laundered patients’ clothes when their washing machines were ruined in the flood.

Patients who nominated her say she also set up a bereavement cafe at her GP practice for patients struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones. Her own husband, Kevin, died aged 45 from an aggressive cancer, leaving her to bring up their three young sons.

Denise said: “My husband passed away 10 years ago when our sons Jake, Roan and Ben were young, and you have to go on with life for the sake of your children.

“It was heartbreaking, and supporting patients through grief is paramount. Empathy is also vital and in nursing we do everything in our power for patients.

“You get to know them and their families here, often from birth to adulthood and older.”

‘Compassionate, thoughtful and caring’

Loneliness and grief are drivers for dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

“The bereavement cafe was set up to let patients know that they are not alone, that there are others to support them,” Denise added.

“My heart sinks when I hear of a death in the family because I remember what it was like for us.

“When we opened the cafe I didn’t know if I would be sitting alone with a cup of coffee or have 25 patients in the room but it’s so busy, I have had to go looking for more seats.”

© Paul Reid

Community support has come from the local Co-op and others, and new friendships have been made. Further plaudits were mentioned in her nomination from patients. She attends newly diagnosed patient cancer treatment meetings on days off.

“Denise is uncomplaining, compassionate, thoughtful and caring,” said a colleague. “She will never see anyone stuck and nothing is too much trouble. She truly is a wonderful person and nurse.”

Julie Lamberth, RCN Scotland Board chairwoman, said: “Nurses and nursing support workers are innovators and problem solvers.

“The People’s Choice Award is the public’s opportunity to recognise a nurse, midwife or nursing support worker who has made a difference.”

Nominate today at rcn.org.uk/scotland or write to RCN Scotland, 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2HH.

Just say who you are, who your nomination is and why. The deadline is January 12.