Published on: 12 May 2025
This very special award, presented on International Nurses Day, recognises the Nurse or Midwife of the year and is a special recognition in honour of former Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Norton, who passed away a few years ago.
Her award, which was presented to her by Michelle’s family, recognises Carol’s commitment to the values of kindness, compassion and learning.
Since taking on her role as a cardiac rehab nurse, Carol has played a significant role in the growth of the service. She goes above and beyond in her care, demonstrating remarkable kindness and compassion towards her patients and colleagues alike. Carol makes thoughtful gestures like checking in on those who are off sick, taking time to listen and talk with those facing challenges, and always offering sound advice and support.
Carol is passionate about patient care, empathetic to their needs, and supportive of those who also work in the health service. She fights for patients to ensure they receive the correct care, all done in a kind and respectful way.
Carol has dedicated 50 years to nurturing and developing countless individuals. She has always practiced with the highest principles at heart and has expected and encouraged this from all members of staff who have worked with her. Many nurses within cardiology owe Carol a great deal, guiding people from student into leadership roles. Carol’s commitment to personal growth is evident in her continuous pursuit to improve her own knowledge, which underpins her practice. People feel privileged to have worked with and been supported by such an experienced and devoted nurse. Carol is often a go-to for those undertaking courses, offering to proofread essays and provide feedback. As a role model, she provides constructive feedback, even when it is challenging to deliver, always with the intention of helping others to improve and succeed.
Carol does not allow poor practice and challenges all issues she feels are less than the highest standard. She fully embodies the spirit of the George Eliot values.
She exemplifies teamwork in numerous thoughtful and impactful ways, fostering a positive and collaborative atmosphere, boosting team morale and camaraderie. Her dedication to clear communication and well-organised plans of care ensures that everyone is aligned and working effectively toward shared goals.
Carol has worked as a cardiac team member for many years (over 35 in cardiology) and is held in high esteem by all of the team. She has been a ward sister, nurse prescriber, practiced nurse-initiated thrombolysis in caring for acute heart attack patients, led the tilt table service, and is now in the cardiac rehab service. Throughout this time, Carol has consistently adapted and moved with the service needs, always being a highly valued team member who has an egalitarian approach to the workplace, seeing everyone as equal and valuing every individual.
2025 marks her incredible milestone of 50 years of service, having worked at the GEH the whole time. This commitment shows the level of passion for her role and patients. Carol is, quite simply, an extraordinary nurse and an exceptional woman.