Julie Hazell, Health Visitor, based in St Neot’s was recently awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award after the wonderful feedback received from one of her families.

Jo Smith, Huntingdon 0 -19 team manager said: “Julie received amazing feedback from a family she had worked exceptionally hard with to overcome negative experiences they had experienced in the past and she thoroughly deserves this month’s Shine a Light Award.”

Emma Bail, said: “My daughter, Scarlett, was born in September 2013 with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome and heart condition AVSD.  Her little sister, Katie, was born earlier this year.  The last three years have been a roller coaster for our family, our beautiful girls amaze us every day, but we have also had some challenges such as Scarlett’s heart surgery last year.

“Julie has supported my family through these early years with compassion, humour and enormous strength, always respecting that we wouldn't change either of our children for the world.

“She has offered emotional support when I've needed it, always finding time despite her busy schedule to listen. Julie has offered practical support around the usual trials of becoming a new mum such as breastfeeding support. Julie’s practical and emotional support has been key to the success of my family over the past three years. We have thrived and we have enjoyed our children safe in the knowledge that, if needed, support is only a phone call away. I cannot thank Julie enough.”

The “Shine a Light” scheme allows members of the public to nominate staff who have delivered a fantastic service and made a real difference to their lives. Trust staff are also encouraged to nominate their colleagues.

On winning Julie said: “It was a lovely surprise to win this month’s Shine a Light award. Working as a health visitor is sometimes very challenging but I thoroughly enjoy working with our local families to be able to support them and always try to provide the best quality care that I can.

“I feel very privileged to be allowed to be part of these families journey into parenthood and that we as health visitors are ideally placed to offer support and make a real difference to our families and the outcomes they can achieve. I have learnt so much through working with this particular family and appreciate all that they have shared with me in my role as their health visitor.”

Every month a member of staff or a team are selected from a list of nominations as the “Shine a Light” award winner. If you would like to nominate a member of staff or a team who has gone the extra mile for you, you can nominate online at www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk

(Photo left to right: Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Emma Bail with her daughter Scarlett and Julie Hazell, Health Visitor).