Vanessa Callaghan, Dental Receptionist at the Cambridge Dental Services at Brookfields Health Centre, Cambridge has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award after being nominated by her colleagues for her help with an unwell patient.

Neeta Patel, MOS Surgeon said: “We recently had a phone call to our reception from the wife of one of our patients who had become unwell following a dental surgical procedure. Vanessa spoke calmly and clearly and firmly directed her to call the ambulance.  The patient’s wife later called us back to say her husband was fine and that he was admitted to hospital and was very grateful for Vanessa's help.

Maria Ross-Russell, Head of Dental Services, said: “We are so lucky to have Vanessa in the ‘front’ office.  Vanessa acted in a very professional and calm way to help this couple at what I imagine was a very scary situation for them both”.

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.

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: Matthew Winn, Chief Executive, Vanessa Callaghan, Dental Receptionist and Maria Ross-Russell, Head of Dental Services).