Celebrating Our Future Workforce; Recognising Student Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Through Care Opinion Feedback

Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT)

🌟 Celebrating Our Future Workforce

Recognising Student Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Through Care Opinion Feedback

Within SHSCT, we noticed a growing number of Care Opinion stories in which student nurses, student midwives and student health visitors were being recognised by name. While every Care Opinion story acknowledging staff is a valued accolade, it is particularly inspiring when students receive such positive feedback at the very beginning of their healthcare careers.

We wanted to ensure that students received this feedback directly, allowing them to see first-hand the impact their compassion, professionalism and person-centred care have had on patients and families. It also provides an opportunity for students to learn more about Care Opinion and understand the importance of patient feedback in shaping and developing their future practice.

When the Patient and Client Experience (PCE) Team reviews Care Opinion stories and identifies a student who has been mentioned, a specific alert is added to the story. The story link is then shared with the Lead Nurse for Nursing and Midwifery Education and Workforce Development.

In May 2026, to strengthen this approach, the PCE Team worked closely with the Lead Nurse to develop a clear and consistent process for sharing feedback with both students and their universities. This ensures that students receive the Care Opinion story link and that their university is also informed of the positive feedback, even when the student's placement within the Trust has already ended.

Care Opinion Feedback

To date, 266 stories have been tagged and shared. These stories make wonderful reading and highlight the lasting impact students have on patient care. As this blog is being written, four more stories have been published this week alone, each one including recognition of students by name.

Recent Examples;

"…A second year student nurse took a real interest. He wanted to learn how to support people with mental health difficulties. He spoke about his experiences as a student and a HCA and really listened to my story. A first-class reflective practitioner who is striving for excellence."

Student nurses are so valuable to the health service (Care Opinion story published 17 July 2026)

 “…P.S. Can I lastly mention how unbelievably fantastic the student midwife RuthAnne was! If someone hadn't told me she was a student, I would have assumed she had been qualified for years. She will be a fantastic asset to any midwifery team in the future. And if this message finds RuthAnne, I hope the remainder of your studies goes well.”

Kindness, compassion and professionalism  (Care Opinion story published 17 July 2026)

  “…Special mention needed for nurses Claire, Tintumol, Femin and Geraldine, and also to their student nurse Joanne. Nothing was ever too much trouble and I really did get the 5-star treatment. I could not fault any aspect of my care.”

Every single member of staff I met was so, so kind (Care Opinion story published 17 July 2026)

“…Eventually got moved to 1 North, where staff were lovely. One of the best, kindest and most caring staff members was a young student nurse, Tristan. He was unbelievable. The help he gave towards Mum was incredible. He will make a fantastic nurse, and any ward that gets him will be lucky.”

Service and care (Care Opinion story published 17 July 2026)

What Does It Mean to Receive Care Opinion Feedback?

Hearing directly from patients and families is incredibly meaningful for students as they develop their skills and professional identity. Positive feedback can boost confidence, reinforce the importance of compassionate and person-centred care, and remind students that the small things they do every day can make a lasting difference to someone's experience.

These stories demonstrate the incredible contribution students make every day across our services. Receiving recognition directly from patients and families not only celebrates their achievements but also helps build confidence, reinforces compassionate practice and inspires them as they begin their professional journeys.

Below are quotes from our nursing students after they have received their Care Opinion feedback;

 “ Thank you for forwarding this. It was so lovely to read, and I feel very touched to have made such a positive impact on someone’s experience. It truly means a lot to know that my support has been appreciated, and it motivates me to continue delivering the best possible care. “

“Aww thank you very much for sharing this, that’s so lovely. Really appreciate it ❤️ “

“Thank you for sharing this feedback, I'm delighted to have contributed positively to this woman's birthing experience!”

We are proud to play a part in ensuring this feedback reaches the students who make such a positive difference to the people in our care, helping to nurture the next generation of compassionate healthcare professionals.