'Warm, fun, and caring' Swindon nurses win prestigious award

Olu Bansenga, Beth Mwangi, and Sarah Gosturani, all from The Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton, were named joint winners of Bowel Cancer UK's Gary Logue Colorectal Nurse Cancer Awards, which is given to nurses who have been nominated by their patients.

One patient, who had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, told the judges the care provided by the three nurses had made all the difference to them.

They said: "Being looked after by Olu, Beth, and Sarah during my chemo sessions has been fun, which I never thought I would say.

Sarah Gosturani and Beth Mwangi (Image: Rachael Silvester) "They made the six-hour sessions fly by and I actually look forward to treatment now because I get to spend time with them."

The judges were impressed by the "dedication" of Ms Bansenga, Ms Mwangi, and Ms Gosturani, and noted they "always went above and beyond" to ensure their patients had the right support.

One patient said they "owe [the three nurses] everything," adding: "I'm not the type of person to make a fuss of my symptoms, but they see through this and know when I've been really unwell and have made sure I get urgent care. "

Ms Bansenga, Ms Mwangi, and Ms Gosturani said: "Our patients are inspirational to us, as we see them fight the physical and emotional challenges that a cancer diagnosis brings, not to mention the gruelling chemotherapy regimens and sometimes the sad news of disease progression.

"They make us stronger as nurses to give the best care possible. Our patients are the true heroes, and we’re privileged to be able to care for, and get to know these brave individuals.

Olu Bansenga (Image: Rachael Silvester) "Therefore, we dedicate this award to them and their families and thank them for their kind nomination.

"We also want to use this opportunity to thank 'Team Ridgeway' for all their contributions and support towards our cancer patients’ care at Ridgeway Hospital.

"And also, a big thank you to Circle Health Group for making the hospital an amazing place to work and shine."

The awards were set up in memory of Gary Logue, who worked as a nurse for the charity and died in 2014, in honour of the dedication he showed during his career.

The awards were presented by the chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, Genevieve Edwards, at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurses Network Annual Education Event.