Helen Whiting, a senior staff nurse at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, was awarded the Cavell Star for her commitment to healthcare.

Colleagues from West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and retired staff members came together on June 17 to surprise her with the award.

Helen Whiting with her Cavell Star and 40-year long service awardHelen Whiting with her Cavell Star and 40-year long service award (Image: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust) She was also recognised with a 40-year-long service award.

The 58-year-old has spent many years working in critical care at the hospital and believed she was coming in on her day off to present training.

However, she was met with the recognition of her hard work over the years.

The Cavell Star Awards are given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who demonstrate ‘exceptional care’ to colleagues, patients and patients’ families.

Alongside the star plaque, Helen received a badge, a letter and a certificate for her years of service.

Helen Whiting with clinical team manager Rachel FentonHelen Whiting with clinical team manager Rachel Fenton (Image: West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust) Rachel Fenton, clinical team manager, read out the nomination citation.

It applauded Helen for her creation of the patient profile form, a tool now used across wards and recognised by the Intensive Care Society, which helps staff gather necessary personal information about patients to provide compassionate care.

Helen, of Roydon, near Diss, started her career at the hospital at 17.

She said: “I am shocked to receive this award, but so pleased to have this recognition.

“It’s a hard job but we have a lovely team, and it’s all about patient care and doing the best we can as a team.”

The citation commended Helen’s commitment to improving patient experience and her active role in listening to the experiences of patients discharged from critical care.

Sue Wilkinson, executive chief nurse, said: “Helen is a true shining star, she delivers such high-quality personalised care to all her patients.”