Sue Franklin, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, has received the Chief Nursing Officer’s silver nursing award for supporting her colleagues during the pandemic.
Sue returned to full-time work at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, having only taken flexible retirement three weeks earlier. Her commitment to keeping her colleagues safe during the pandemic has been recognised with the silver nursing award by Ruth May, Chief Nurse at NHS England & Improvement.
As well as being the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, Sue is also the Associate Chief Nurse at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. Sue was praised for supporting Karen Dawber, Chief Nurse at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, in setting up a personal protective equipment hub for workers.
Sue said, “I am more than delighted to have received this award and it is an honour to support my colleagues in these unprecedented times. It is crucial that staff feel safe, protected, informed and supported not only with PPE, but also by being able to raise concerns through Freedom to Speak Up.”
Dr Henrietta Hughes OBE, National Guardian for the NHS said, “I’m delighted to hear about this prestigious award for Sue who has tirelessly dedicated herself to supporting her colleagues during the pandemic. Speaking up has never been more important and listening up and following up improves safety and experience for all.”