A dedicated nurse renowned for his exceptional compassion in end-of-life care has been honoured with a prestigious hospital award. Geminick Siriban, known as Gem, was presented with The Queen Elizabeth Hospital's latest Outstanding Achievement to Living Our Values Award during a surprise ceremony on the ward.
A Heartfelt Nomination
Interim Executive Managing Director, Chris Bown, surprised Gem with the award during a busy shift. The nomination came directly from a relative of a patient Gem had cared for on Peddars Way, the hospital's end-of-life care unit.
The family member wrote: "Gem was kind, caring, compassionate and took the time to explain everything. The level of care that Nan received whilst on Peddars Way was on another level. Nothing was too much."
They added that when their nan passed away, it was "peaceful, dignified and Gem ensured that all of Nan’s wishes were upheld." The nomination powerfully concluded: "It felt that Gem was grieving alongside us, and you can see that he was made for his job role."
Personal Motivation and Professional Passion
Gem, who joined The QEH in 2020 from the Philippines, has been a nurse at the hospital for five years. He took on the role of Charge Nurse in the end-of-life unit, Peddars Way, in 2024.
Upon receiving the award, Gem dedicated it to his parents and family in the Philippines, his King’s Lynn family, and his Peddars Way team, whom he said he always draws inspiration and motivation from.
He shared his profound personal connection to his work: "I have always had a love and passion for caring for people, not only for the elderly but for people who are on their last hours of life."
"I always see the image of my grandparents and it’s difficult caring for people here and not being able to provide that same level of care to my parents and grandparents back home," Gem explained. "This is one of my motivations, and why I am passionate and always do my job very, very well – I care for my patients in the way that I would care for family."
Recognition for Going Above and Beyond
Gem emphasised his approach to patient care: "I always want to go above and beyond – I don’t consider them as patients, but as family. I see them as individuals, as people with needs and wishes to be fulfilled at the end of their lives."
At The QEH, the hospital believes it is important for colleagues to be recognised when they exceed their duties. The monthly Living Our Values award is part of The QEH's reward and recognition programme, which is funded by The QEHKL Charity.
The programme encourages nominations for staff members who demonstrate the Trust's values of Kindness, Wellness and Fairness in their daily actions.
