Jan Wilkins, family support practitioner, based in Fulbourn, has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.

Jan was nominated following the team receiving a letter from the father of one of her patient’s for the exceptional support and care she showed to the family during a very traumatic time.

The nomination reads: “I started to see Jan in 2015 and she helped me understand that our daughter’s health was deteriorating much worse and faster than I could ever admit to.

“After our appointment at Kings Hospital, where we were told she had only six to twelve months left to live, it was Jan who was there to pick up the pieces and support us when our whole world fell apart.

“Jan helped us over the following months on what to expect, helped us tell our son that she was going to pass away and even advised us on making arrangements for her passing and cancellation of medical supplies, disability car and DLA payments.

“She monitored my low moods and anxiety as I grieved and helped me to grieve by going through all the tasks of mourning and checked to see if I was becoming depressed by giving me questionnaires to complete.

“Without all of Jan’s help through the time we have known her I do believe we would have all fallen apart. Thank you Jan for all your hard work and support you have given to us it is appreciated by us all and will never be forgotten. It’s a real shame the allocated time with us has gone as quickly as we still have so much to talk about and I will miss making you your horrible green tea! You truly are one of the kindest people I have met in a very long time. Keep up the fantastic work, you are a really important part of your team and we are so grateful for everything you have done for us.”

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 the award Jan said: “I am thrilled to have won the 'shine a light award' and appreciate the acknowledgement of my role within the Children's Community Nursing Team.

“It is not always easy to provide psychological support to parents who are facing or grieving for the loss of their child, but it is a privilege to journey alongside them, providing counselling and/or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help them cope with their thoughts, emotions and behaviours.

“It is difficult to measure outcomes within this specialist role, so it was especially validating to receive the feedback from the bereaved father that I worked with in preparing him for the death of his child and providing bereavement counselling afterwards."

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: Jan Wilkins, Family Support Practitioner and Matthew Winn, Chief Executive.