Award launched in memory of nurse kicked by horse

A hospital has launched a new award in memory of a former chief nurse who died from injuries she suffered when she was kicked by a horse.

Sam Young, 58, from Baschurch, Shropshire, was the interim chief nursing officer at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), near Oswestry.

RJAH has launched The Sam Young Innovation and Improvement Award to honour her passion for "continuous improvement and driving positive change".

Ms Young died on 19 June after leading a horse towards an open gate at Platt Mill Stables in Boreatton - when it bolted sideways and kicked her with both legs in her chest.

The inaugural award was presented to Lisa Davies-Jones, Pre-Operative Assessment Unit Manager at the hospital, at the annual Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Celebration Event.

After receiving her award, she said: "I am incredibly proud to receive this award, particularly because of what it represents and the legacy of Sam."

Hospital chief executive Stacey Keegan added: "Sam was deeply committed to innovation, improvement and putting patients at the centre of everything we do – this award reflects those values perfectly and is a fitting tribute to her legacy.

"Lisa is a deserving inaugural winner. Going forward, this award will be presented annually to recognise staff who demonstrate innovation and a commitment to improving patient care."

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