Whistleblowing nurse Margaret Haywood, who filmed the neglect of elderly patients at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, has won a patients’ award.
Ms Haywood was found guilty of misconduct at a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) disciplinary hearing earlier this year and struck off in May.
The decision prompted an outcry by those who said her actions, used by Panorama to expose patient suffering, were in the public interest.
In October it was replaced with a one-year caution after the High Court approved a settlement between Ms Haywood and the NMC.
Yesterday, the nurse was awarded the Nursing Standard’s Patients’ Choice Award after being nominated by Jennifer Price, of East Grinstead.
Ms Haywood beat four other finalists to the people’s choice award, which was presented at a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, central London.
Ms Price said: “Mrs Haywood felt so strongly about the standards of care she was witnessing to put her job on the line.
“Maybe her decision to approach Panorama was questionable, but no one can deny that it was probably the most effective way to instigate change, which would immediately benefit patients.
“In nominating Mrs Haywood, I would like to help send the message to the NMC that they are out of touch with the wishes of the public they deem to protect.”
Nursing Standard’s editor-in-chief Jean Gray said: “The public has demonstrated its clear support for Margaret, by voting for her to win this award.
“We’re delighted for Margaret, who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of patients.”
The 2005 Panorama show featured footage showing neglect, including an elderly patient sitting in clothes he had soiled the night before.
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