The Aga Khan University Hospital’s Nurse Becomes Pakistan’s First DAISY Award Winner

The Aga Khan University Hospital’s (AKUH) Head Nurse of Daycare Oncology, Ms Amber Hussain, has been awarded the prestigious DAISY Nurse Leaders Award. She becomes the first nurse from Pakistan to get this international award that recognises, honours and celebrates the compassion and skills nurses bring to their patients every day.

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The award was presented to Ms Hussain by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, at a ceremony held on July 26, 2024. Ms. Hussain was awarded a fellowship at St. Jude’s in 2023, and this award was in recognition of the work she undertook at AKUH as part of her fellowship training.

The DAISY Award is a prestigious and coveted recognition programme by the Daisy Foundation that celebrates and acknowledges the exceptional contributions of nurses through nominations from patients, families, and colleagues. It honours nurses worldwide, regardless of where they practice or their career stage, recognizing the compassion and skill they bring to patient care daily.

Ms. Hussain completed her diploma in nursing from the Aga Khan University’s School of Nursing & Midwifery, which has set the path for her exemplary career in nursing. She has been working at AKUH for the last 10 years, during which she has consistently demonstrated dedication and excellence in patient care.

"Amber's achievement shows the exceptional quality of care provided by AKUH’s nursing staff,” said Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO, AKU Health Services Pakistan. “We are grateful for her hard work and dedication to our patients. I am hopeful that she will inspire and be of great help to her fellow colleagues."

Ms Khairunnisa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer, Division of Nursing Services AKUH, stated, "Amber’s dedication and innovative approach to patient care highlight the exceptional standards we uphold at AKUH. Her achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for our entire nursing team."

"We are truly fortunate to have such a talented and compassionate nurse leading our Daycare Oncology unit," expressed Paediatric Oncology Chair Professor Dr Zehra Fadoo in recognition of Ms Hussain’s achievements.

Amber’s outstanding efforts and contributions reflect the Aga Khan University Hospital’s commitment to innovative practices. The award is given quarterly to outstanding nurses from over 3,000 health care facilities and nursing schools in the United States and 18 other countries across the world.

AKUH extends heartfelt appreciation to Ms Amber Hussain for her remarkable contributions and achievements. Her dedication and innovative approach have set a new standard of excellence within AKUH’s pediatric oncology nursing team. Amber's recognition on an international platform underscores the exceptional care provided at AKUH.