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A nurse has been honoured for consistently going above and beyond for her patients.
Alba Gaughan, an assistant phlebotomist at Edgware Kidney Care Centre, has become the first recipient of the inaugural David Myers Award for Excellence in Kidney Care, after being nominated by her patients.
Alba, who has worked at the Royal Free London (RFL) for 24 years, told assembled guests she was “humbled and grateful” to receive the new award.
She said: “This award motivates me to work even harder because of the impact I know it has on patients’ lives.”
The idea to create the award came from Martha Myers, (pictured right with Alba), the widow of David Myers BEM.
David, who died last year, had been a kidney transplant recipient twice over and spent more than 30 years as a renal patient of the Royal Free Hospital (RFH). He campaigned tirelessly on behalf of RFL patients, helping to lead the charge locally to raise awareness of organ donation, especially among ethnic minority groups.
The award was presented at the end of an evening where David’s work as part of the Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patients’ Association (RFHKPA) and his three terms as hospital governor was celebrated. From championing patient representation on committees related to their care, improving patient transport, putting in successful grant bids for education events, fundraising for equipment, as well as ensuring renal dialysis centres remain at the heart of communities, David’s legacy lives on.
Dr Mark Jesky, consultant nephrologist and service lead, reminded the 100-strong audience gathered on World Kidney Day, that they should never lose sight of the people behind every kidney disease statistic.
Speakers included Professor David Wheeler who discussed the management of chronic kidney disease and the new treatments currently available and on the horizon. Professor Danny Gale also shared how patient data is being used in the fight against kidney disease.
Transplant patient Patricia Gooden took part in a transplant discussion led by Dr Anamika Adwaney, consultant nephrologist, and Emma Dunning, a renal transplant clinical nurse specialist. The focus was on enabling patients to live their very best lives and Patricia shared how she refused to let her condition stop her from her great love of travel and her commitment to the RFKPA.
Nii Plange, chairman of the RFKPA, spoke of David’s unwavering dedication and compassionate heart.
He said: “I’m full of gratitude for the time we had together and though I wish we’d had more time I’m comforted by the memories we created. Thank you David for showing us the way.”
The event, which took place at the Royal Free Hospital, also included a tribute to David from his godson, Marc Abraham, who read out moving tributes from David’s family.
Going forward the award will continue to be presented annually to a member of staff from the RFL renal service who goes above and beyond. The award will be displayed in the RFH’s renal unit.
