Forté PACU Nurse team recognised for outstanding level of care 

A young woman with a history of negative experiences in surgical care has nominated the entire Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) Nursing team at Forté Health for a prestigious award after she received an “outstanding level of care”. 

The Youth Health Award is typically given to a specific individual for exceptional care in the health system, nominated by young people from Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Youth Advisory Council. 

Council Co-Chair Anna Ashton says the young woman who received care at Forté for a gynaecological procedure was so impressed by the PACU Nurses that she nominated the entire team, which doesn’t happen often. 

The woman had gone through a few endometriosis surgeries previously and was nervous about her upcoming surgery at Forté. 

“In the past, it’s been a really frightening and negative experience for her. But this time, the Forté staff made her feel genuinely safe. She felt heard, validated, and reassured that her concerns were being taken seriously,” says Anna.  

“She said it felt like something that had always been terrifying and difficult was suddenly manageable, all because the staff were so on top of things. Their support made a huge difference, so the council agreed that the award was well-deserved.” 

The Council is a volunteer-led group advocating for and representing youth in the Waitaha Canterbury health sector. 

"Because we’re a lived experience council we see many different health professionals on a regular basis so we thought it would be great to acknowledge when we have an exceptional experience of care through the Youth Health Award,” Anna says. 

Forté Health PACU Manager Dorothy Gelens says the team were honoured to receive the award for their level of care. 

“For our whole team to be recognised means the world, especially knowing the difference we made for someone who had been through so much. Every patient deserves to feel safe, heard, and cared for, and that’s what we strive for every day.”