15 May 2025
A total of five exceptional Wolverhampton nurses who ‘go the extra mile’ have won prestigious awards for their outstanding care.
From left: Tina Maddox, Kim Robbins, Deborah Hickman Catherine Draycott and Susan-Watts
Afua Nketiah, Tina Maddox, Kim Robbins, Catherine Draycott, Susan Watts have been awarded the Nell Phoenix Charitable Arts Fund Award.
Nell Phoenix was a patient who received excellent care at the old Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton in 1968 and generously left a sum of money in her will to set up a fund for the Nurses of Wolverhampton to enjoy the arts.
Since its inception, the Fund’s criteria have been extended to include non-registered Nurses and Midwives.
Afua, District Nurse, received her award for her determination and dedication in supporting a patient and his wife who has dementia.
She said: “It was a big surprise to be nominated and told I would be receiving this award. I’m just proud of myself and what I did for the family.”
Debra Hickman, Chief Nursing Officer, told her: “What really struck a chord with me, is not only making a difference in terms of those families but going that extra mile, which probably to you isn’t that extra mile but to the families out there it makes a big difference. So, congratulations.”
The next winners were Catherine Draycott, School Nurse Team Leader, Susan Watts, School Nurse, and Kim Robbins and Tina Maddox, both Public Health Associates as Sexual Health Advisors.
Afua Nketiah, District Nurse (left), and Deborah Hickman
The team won the award for developing and delivering training to help staff understand the issues that affect LGBTQ+ young people.
Two bespoke sessions are also going to be delivered to Youth Justice Service staff.
Debra Hickman to the group: “Well done to all of you, not just for getting the nomination but also for receiving this award.”
Catherine said: “I am absolutely delighted that my team and I have received the Nell Phoenix Arts Award. This project is very close to our hearts and has been a pleasure and a privilege to deliver and raise awareness of the issues facing LGBTQ+ young people, in particular the transgender community.
“As a service we firmly believe that every individual, including our LGBTQ+ children, young people, their families, and our colleagues that we work alongside, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, free from discrimination. We are fully committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all and would love the opportunity to continue this work moving forward.
“I am so proud of myself and my colleagues and would like to thank our Matron for School Nursing, Hazel Hawkins-Dady for the nomination. She has been and continues to be fully supportive of our work and champions us every day.”
Kim added: “It has been a privilege to be part of the progress and innovation of providing such valuable support and awareness. Receiving this award for our work makes me feel proud and positive of the changes ahead for those within the LGBTQ+ community.”