Paul Johnson is said to have “found his calling” on the specialist neurosurgical ward at Hull Royal Infirmary
Staff nurse Paul Johnson outside Ward 4, Hull Royal Infirmary.(Image: Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust)
A Hull nurse who is said to have dedicated his life to helping others has earned top national recognition. Paul Johnson has spent 36 years working in local healthcare, including 13 as the charge nurse on Ward 4 of the Hull Royal Infirmary.
Colleagues on the neurosurgical ward were on hand to congratulate Paul when he received an NHS Chief Nursing Officer ‘Gold Award’. The national accolade recognises outstanding achievements and is given to those who make an exceptional contribution through a distinguished career in nursing or midwifery.
Paul’s award comes after he officially retired from his role in charge of the ward at the start of this year. He then returned the next day to continue working there part-time as a staff nurse.
The longstanding nurse learned of the recognition in a surprise visit from a senior nurse who presented him with the award, which was given to mark the care he has provided for patients, many with complex needs on the neurosurgical ward, and for mentorship he has given to staff.
He said: “Initially, I thought they’d come to see my new charge nurse, Stacy, but then when I saw the camera, I thought oh no…! Definitely ‘thank goodness’, a bit of relief I wasn’t in bother, but I thought I was going to hit the floor!
Paul receives the official news of his award from David Purdue, regional chief nursing officer for NHS England (North East and Yorkshire).(Image: Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust)
“To be told I’d been given the Chief Nursing Officer Gold Award, I was just totally taken aback. I don’t feel I deserve it because it’s not just about me, it’s about everybody; consultants, physios, resident doctors, caterers, cleaners, porters, auxiliary nurses. I wouldn’t have got this award if it weren’t for the team behind closed doors, who people don’t see, that help me out and make my job so much easier.”
David Purdue, regional chief nurse for NHS England (North East and Yorkshire) came to Ward 4 along with site nurse director Tracy Campbell. They were joined by care group nurse directors Mel Carr and Natalie Griffiths, and NHS Humber Health Partnership’s interim group chief nurse, Heather McNair.
Paul Johnson with charge nurse Stacy Dixon (to his left, dark nursing uniform) and members of the Ward 4 team.(Image: Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust)
Paul began his NHS career in 1989 as a registered nurse and went on to work across a number of areas. In 2012 he took charge of Ward 4, where he is said to have “found his calling”. Colleagues describe him as “inspiration”, “compassionate” and a “real patient champion” who has high standards of clinical care and has helped teach and develop new nursing staff.
Paul added: “I just love looking after people, I love talking to people, getting to know people and their backgrounds, and seeing them get better. I’ve learned so, so much over the course of my career working in neurosurgery and there’s a brilliant team on Ward 4; I could not have done all of this without them.”
Paul Johnson is congratulated on his Gold Award by a colleague at Hull Royal Infirmary.(Image: Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust)
The criteria for an NHS Gold Award says the person must have demonstrated outstanding achievements and performance in their area of practice, including clinical practice, education, research and leadership. Recipients are said to be a role model for others, and have made a significant contribution to the quality of care received by patients and their families.