Caregiver of the Year awarded to Shamsiya

8 Mar 2019

8 March 2019

Shamsiya commenced at our Hospital through a graduate program in 2011, before transferring to Thomas Furlong a year later.

A worthy winner

During the caregiver of the Year ceremony held on St John of God Day, her efforts to fulfil the cultural needs of someone near the end of their life were explained.

When the ward received an Indonesian man of Muslim faith, Shamsiya (who is also Muslim) cared for the patient until the end of her shift when she handed over to another nurse of Muslim faith, Bibi.

Nurse Manager Karan Lane said it was what happened after her shift ended that really demonstrated Shamsiya’s hospitality for this patient.

“I received a call from Shamsiya when she arrived home and she asked for permission for her husband and some of his friends, including Bibi’s husband, to come and pray with and for the patient,” she said.

“She explained there are certain cultural aspects to observe in the time leading up to death, as well as when the person passes away.”

Above and beyond

The group prepared the patient for passing and early the next morning the gentleman passed away.

The group returned later that morning to discover the news and they continued the prayers and customs, aware the patient had no family or friends nearby.

“Shamsiya then wrote a letter to the patient’s wife and put it in the patient’s bag explaining that his spiritual and religious beliefs had been met,” Karan said.

“Shamsiya is a beautiful person and wonderful nurse.”

She was awarded the Caregiver of the Month in May 2018.

All of the worthy monthly winners gathered for an awards ceremony, where Shamsiya was selected for the Caregiver of the Year award.

All those in attendance at the award ceremony were incredibly moved by Shimsiya’s actions. Congratulations Shamsiya.