East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership couldn’t be prouder of its very own Niki Stewart for her incredible personal achievements and unwavering dedication to caring for her patients.
Niki Stewart, the deputy CTACS manager at Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, was announced as the winner of the Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award at the NHS Lothian Celebrating Success Awards 2024. On Friday 11 October Niki was officially presented with her award by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Fiona Wilson, alongside her CTACs and Unison colleagues.
The NHS Lothian Lynn Jackson Award is named in memory of Lynn Jackson, former chief nurse for Edinburgh Cancer Centre, who passed away following a year-long fight with breast cancer. This award recognises a nurse who, like Lynn, is “passionate about people and dedicated to providing exceptional patient care”.
On May 3, 2022, life took an unforeseen turn for Niki. What started as an ordinary day ended in a collapse and an immediate realisation that she was having a stroke. She was admitted to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where she spent ten days under the care of friends and colleagues. Her rehabilitation journey began at Astley Ainsley Hospital, where she faced the harsh reality of her condition – a profound weakness on her left side, fortunately sparing her dominant right hand.
The road to recovery was arduous. She had to relearn fundamental skills such as, standing up safely and walking, initially with equipment, then with support, and finally with the aid of a stick. Her mantra, "I want to get back to work and driving," became her guiding force.
Her recovery was bolstered by a network of family, friends, therapists, nursing staff, and her consultant. This support system helped her navigate the grief of losing her old life and the challenge of forging a new one. Discharged from the hospital, she faced the additional challenge of securing a new home that accommodated her needs, resulting in a year-long stay with her parents.
Returning to work posed significant challenges. Her previous role as a Band 7 nurse at East Lothian Community Hospital was deemed unsuitable due to its clinical demands. With the support of Thomas Miller from Unison and Lorraine Cowan, the previous Chief Nurse, she found a path back to the workplace. Initially, she undertook project work, which eventually led to a new role that matched her capabilities – a Band 6 position within the CTAC team.
Now, Niki thrives in her new role, assessing and reviewing patients across various sites. Her journey hasn’t been without its trials, but she remains hopeful about returning to more clinical ventures in the future. Niki now embodies a new mantra "new house, new car, new job, new me!", showcasing her adaptability and determination.
Niki’s remarkable journey had not gone unnoticed as her relentless dedication to recovery earned her a nomination, finalist position, and then overall winner of the prestigious Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award 2024.
Fiona Wilson, ELHSCP Chief Officer and Joint Director commented, “Niki’s recovery journey is truly remarkable, and is a testament to her resilience, strength and unwavering determination.
Niki’s experience is a powerful story of perseverance, community, and transformation. Niki’s experiences have uniquely positioned her to empathise with and advocate for patients or colleagues facing similar challenges. Her personal knowledge adds depth to her interactions, allowing her to offer expertise but also emotional support and understanding.
Her presence as deputy team manager has had a profoundly positive effect on her colleagues, with her infectious optimism and unwavering determination helping to foster a supportive and empowering atmosphere.”
From everyone at ELHSCP, a massive congratulations Niki. It’s an award truly deserved.
