Raj Thirunageswaram, MSK physiotherapist and operational team lead, based in Peterborough has been awarded the Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Shine a Light award.

Raj was nominated by Jayne Davies, clinical lead, for demonstrating excellent leadership skills. He always does this in a calm way and his staff cohorts appreciate his emotional stability, his steadiness and his support. The most recent demonstration of this was certainly above and beyond, to the most extreme.

During the recent cyber-attack Raj excelled in his duty as team lead for Peterborough when he was called in over the weekend with an urgent I.T. request to turn on all PC’s across 6 sites in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. His actions were integral to CCS being operational on Monday morning.

Jayne said: “Raj reassured our business manager Sarah Saul that the work would be carried out, taking details, instruction and relaying back to ensure it took place. He remained calm and acted upon the instructions ensuring that he relayed the information to the admin lead succinctly and promptly. 

“Just two hours later his wife delivered their new child! What he had failed to mention when taking the call from Sarah and acting upon the instructions was that his wife was in labour and he was rushing her to the maternity unit. This is certainly above and beyond the normal call of duty!”

Sarah Saul, business manager, DynamicHealth, said: “I am very proud of all my staff that helped MSK stay operational through the cyber-attack and went onto sites to action requests over the weekend. The fact Raj said nothing about him being a bit busy and just ensured the job was done showed his great attitude and dedication. Congratulations to him and his wife on the birth of their second child.”

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 Raj said: "Ever since I qualified as a physiotherapist I have loved every aspect of it. I thoroughly enjoy working as a team lead for the MSK Physiotherapy at Peterborough and I have learnt a lot by doing this role daily.

“I believe that “I don't shine if my team doesn’t shine” and this award has come as a big surprise to me. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a positive Dynamic team and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who nominated me for this award.”

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, Jayne Davies, Raj Thirunageswaram and Sarah Saul.