Nurse with more than 4 decades service is awarded a Cavell Star for her 'compassionate leadership'
A nurse who has spent almost 40 years protecting patients and staff from infection has been recognised as a shining star.
Delyth Davies, Swansea Bay’s Head of Nursing for Infection Prevention Control, has been presented with a Cavell Star.
The award is given to nurses in the UK who have shown exceptional care to colleagues, patients or patients’ families.
Delyth has more than 40 years’ service with the NHS, 37 of them as an infection prevention and control specialist nurse. The work involves reducing the risk of infection being transmitted. Infection prevention and control is a practical, evidence-based approach preventing patients and health workers being harmed by avoidable infections. It covers all aspects of health care, including hand hygiene, surgical site infections, and antimicrobial resistance.
Delyth, who lives in Llanelli, said: “I have been feeling like I have imposter syndrome all these years, but I am incredibly proud.
“I work with an exceptional team in IPC. I have been fortunate to work with the really good staff and managers we have.
“I do not think I have done anything different to anyone else. I am just doing my job. I like people and it is very easy to care about people. We have a brilliant IPC team, and we always look after each other.
“I have absolutely loved it. No two days are the same, there is always something new to test myself with and to learn. There is never a dull day, there is always something new.”
She has worked across Swansea, Neath and Bridgend hospitals during her long career in a number of former local NHS trusts.
Delyth added: “Covid was particularly challenging from an infection prevention control perspective, particularly at the start when guidelines were changing so frequently.
“As an IPC team, we work with every department within the health board, not just clinical, and that is a privilege.”
The Cavell Stars are awarded by the Cavell Nurses’ Trust following a nomination by colleagues, supported by the charity’s panel of judges.
Delyth was nominated by colleagues who highlighted her professionalism and compassionate leadership.
Swansea Bay Associate Nurse Director Lesley Jenkins said: “Delyth is highly experienced and an expert in the field of practice.
“She has been nominated by her peers for her kind and compassionate style of leadership.
“Even during the exceptionally tough and challenging times at the height of the pandemic, Delyth has remained calm, kind and understanding of the challenges practitioners face day to day.
“She is exceptionally modest, recognising the contribution of her team and others, so it’s important Delyth is recognised for being the exceptional and well-respected nurse leader she is.”
Pictured, Delyth, centre, with Dr Raj Krishnan Interim Exec Medical Director, Hazel Powel Deputy Executive Director of Nursing, Lesley Jenkins Associate Nurse Director and Paul Stuart Davies Associate Nurse Director
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