Primary Care nurses receive Cavell Star Awards

Rochdale Health Alliances’ (RHA) Primary Care nurses

The Cavell Star Awards, which celebrate outstanding nurses, midwives, and nursing associates for their exceptional care, recently recognised three remarkable individuals from the borough. The recipients of this year’s awards are Judith Charlton, Chris O’Neill, and Elaine Stone.

Judith Charlton and Chris O’Neill, who work as primary care nurses in local care homes as part of the enhanced health in care homes service, were nominated for the awards by their colleagues at Rochdale Health Alliance, highlighting the strong appreciation they have earned within their teams.

Elaine Stone, a primary care nurse with the Homeless Alliance Response Team, was also honoured. This service is commissioned to support the borough’s homeless and transient populations.

The Cavell Star Awards aim to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of nurses who provide essential care to the community every day.

The awards are named in memory of Edith Cavell, a British nurse known for her bravery during the First World War. She was instrumental in helping over 200 allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium before her tragic execution by firing squad.

Edith once said, “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness toward anyone. Someday, somehow, I am going to do something useful, something for people. They are, most of them, so helpless, so hurt and so unhappy.” Her legacy continues to inspire many in the nursing profession today.

Edith Cavell is buried at Norwich Cathedral, and her contributions are commemorated by a statue near Trafalgar Square, serving as a lasting reminder of her commitment to care and compassion.