'She has truly been my health hero whilst battling four major operations' | Meet July's Health Hero
Sister Mercedes Musgrove, Practice Nurse at Dinas Powys Medical Centre, has been named this month’s Health Hero in recognition of the exceptional compassion and care she shows to patients.
For the past 25 years, Mercedes has worked as a Practice Nurse at the GP surgery in Dinas Powys. Before that, she was a District Nurse across Penarth, Barry, Butetown and Grangetown.
Mercedes was nominated for Health Hero by Toby Rees-Davies, inspired by the reassurance and support she showed him through a difficult diagnosis.
Toby wrote: “Sister Musgrove has provided me with exceptional wound care over the last 16 months as I have battled with four operations. She is always smiling, always making you feel at ease, always listens to your concerns and will do her best to help and support you. She always goes above and beyond for patients in her care.
“I believe she should be awarded Health Hero as she has truly been my health hero while I have been battling four major operations due to bowel cancer. I cannot thank her enough for the care and compassion she has given me. She has helped me navigate my journey through diagnosis and operations.
“Sometimes when you’re stuck in the healthcare system you become scared you are becoming a burden on the service. But she would always reassure me that I was welcome, and she was always happy to help!”
Mercedes believes that this reassurance is a vital part of her role. She said: “I think as a nurse, we should support our patients on their health journey with kindness and compassion. I love being able to give that extra care.”
Talking about her nomination, Mercedes said: “I was so shocked. I've worked here 25 years and never expected anything like this. You just think you’re doing your job. I didn't believe it.”
As well as specialising in chronic disease management, Mercedes also runs a baby clinic, provides Well Women’s services and mentors students.
“You can never be bored. Every day is different. I'm part of a great team – lovely nurses, doctors, receptionists. I couldn't do what I do without being supported by them. I mean how could you not like working here. I just do what I’m trained to do, and I'll always go that extra mile, that's just my nature. You put this uniform on and it’s a responsibility.”
Health Hero is kindly sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As July’s Health Hero, Mercedes will receive a Sunday dining experience for two.