A NURSE from Kewstoke who supports adults struggling with their mental health has scooped a top award for the work he does to bring joy to others.

Divine Opeku is a registered nurse at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, a 71-bed hospital on Beach Road which supports men and women who have been hospitalised due to mental health struggles.

Wards include a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit and personality disorder service.

He scooped one of the top prizes at the Cygnet Group achievement awards, a day of celebration for caring, dedicated and hard-working colleagues across the health and social care sector.

He won the Care (Joy in Work) award which recognises an outstanding commitment to make a care service a great place to work by improving staff health and wellbeing, building team spirit and bringing some fun into the workplace.

The awards, now in their third year, were held at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, on Thursday, October 24.

“They were hosted by actress and comedian Sally Phillips, together with her son Olly, who are patrons of the Downs Syndrome Association.

The nomination script for Divine read: “Divine constantly empowers, cares and displays empathic approaches to patients.

“He is the most innovative nurse who is very caring and always keeps the ward safe.

“He stands in whenever you need a little time off to catch your breath, he checks on you whenever you are off sick and sometimes visit your family when needs be, all on his own expense.

“Divine always goes beyond and above in his work, making sure he and his team deliver the best possible care.

“He is very dedicated and great at supporting the team. He does his job with much delight. He is a joy to work with.”

Upon receiving the award, Divine said: “I was very excited when I received the notification that I have been shortlisted for the award.

“It was really great news and my team were so happy for me.

“I felt so much joy when my name was announced as the winner.

“It makes me feel so happy with I receive complements from my colleagues, but I never thought they would go an extra mile by voting for me to win an award.

“It was amazing to see people celebrating this success with me.

“It feels great for efforts to be recognised and rewarded, and I thank everyone who voted for me and the love I was shown by Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke.”

Dr Tony Romero, Cygnet CEO, said: “It is always a genuine pleasure for me to hear how Cygnet staff are making an incredible difference to some of society’s most vulnerable people.

"The work they are doing, and the care they are providing, is having a positive impact on so many lives.

“The awards are about recognising and honouring the dedication, compassion and sheer hard work shown by staff who, no matter their role, play a vital part in the provision of patient and resident care.

“Divine is an example of somebody who consistently goes above and beyond for the individuals in his care.

“He demonstrates passion for his work, commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to our service users.”