"I am so proud to be an intensive care nurse. I just think it's the best job in the world." | Meet June's Health Hero

29th June 2026 

Amelia Barnsley, a Staff Nurse within the Intensive Care Unit in Critical Care at University Hospital of Wales, has been named June's Health Hero in recognition of the outstanding care and compassion she provided to a patient and their family.

Amelia began her career at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board nearly five years ago as a newly qualified nurse and quickly developed a passion for her role within Critical Care. She has since progressed in her career, achieving a promotion within just two years.

Reflecting on her time in intensive care, Amelia said:

“My role is fast-paced, but I feel in such a privileged position to be able to nurse people who are going through the worst time in their lives.

“I am so proud to be an intensive care nurse. I just think it's the best job in the world.”

Amelia was nominated for the award by a patient’s mother in recognition of the outstanding care she provided to her son, Sam. She said:

“Whilst my son was on complex care after a lengthy stay in both Bristol and Cardiff ICU, Amelia made a great connection with Sam, who has a learning disability.

“She managed to reassure him when he was anxious and persuade him to have procedures done, simple things such as dressing changes, which were making Sam very anxious. Amelia made Sam’s stay on complex care much easier. She made it a fun place to be for Sam. They chatted all the time and got along so well. Amelia just got it when it came to nursing a young man with a learning disability.

“Sam has been home from UHW now for four weeks and still talks about Amelia, and from a parent’s point of view, Amelia was very thorough and professional when it came to updating me.

“Amelia gave me a lot of confidence during a time that was quite difficult and I will be forever grateful for her skill, knowledge and kindness towards both Sam and me.”

Speaking about the nomination, Amelia said:

“I cried when I received this nomination, it was so out of the blue.

“I just feel so proud, honoured and so grateful that I could have been a part of Sam’s recovery.

“When it’s specifically from someone that I’ve got such a good relationship with, it’s just so special.

“I am truly thankful that they felt happy with my care.”

Amelia’s role involves caring for some of the most critically ill patients, whether supporting their recovery or ensuring dignity at the end of life.

“To nurse someone back to health or to just provide that dignified death for the family and for the patient is just incomparable to anything else.” Amelia said.

On a day to day basis, Amelia provides a wide range of care, including administering medication, supporting communication with patients, even when they are ventilated, and offering reassurance and clear explanations to families.

“It’s so important to communicate, to explain what tubes are, what the noises are and what the plan is,” Amelia explained.

Amelia works as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Intensive Care Unit and praised both the learning opportunities available in such a specialist environment and the strength of teamwork. She also highlighted the need to adapt quickly in unpredictable situations, which has helped her grow professionally.

“We have such a diverse range of patients. I love constantly learning.

“You have to learn and adapt so quickly to a situation that you didn’t even know you were going to be in about 10 minutes prior,” Amelia said.

Health Hero is sponsored by Park Plaza Cardiff. As June’s Health Hero, Amelia will receive an afternoon tea for two.