Shine a Light Award Winner – June 2013

Julie Payne, District Nurse, North South Cambs, Willingham

Julie was nominated by Ally Retallick, Trust Board and Committee Secretary on behalf of her mother-in-law Janet Retallick for continuously going the extra mile.

Julie helped with the care of her father in law in his last weeks before passing away in May 2013. Nothing was too much trouble for Julie, and she continuously went that extra mile, and far above the call of duty, assisting not only in the delivery of additional equipment to allow her father in law to die in his own home surrounded by his family (including when the equipment mal-functioned getting it replaced at a weekend), but also providing a listening ear and support to her mother in law.

Julie was always available either at the end of the phone or in person, and was so caring, compassionate and respectful to her father in law in assisting in helping him to carry out his final wish to die at home. He had previously had cancer, and when he was told it had returned, he was determined to go home and die at home, it was with the support of Hospice at Home, and the District Nursing team that he was allowed to do this, and passed away peacefully.

The Trust’s District Nursing service is under such strain, and the Trust should be proud of the staff they employ, as beyond the stresses and strains they face day to day to carry out their duties they still have time to care, time to listen and time to make a difference. Julie has made a lasting impression on our family, and gone a long away to making a very sad time in our lives more bearable.

Congratulations to Julie.

Other nominations included:

Tracey Oakley, Endoscopy Support Worker, Peckover Ward, North Cambs Hospital Wisbech

Tracey was nominated by two colleagues, Elizabeth Kaynak and Elizabeth Cuss for working tirelessly to ensure endoscopy equipment continues to function and is able to process scopes. 

She volunteered to assist trained staff with taking endoscopes to the QEH Kings Lynn to ensure the endoscopy service can continue following mechanical failure.  She liaised with the engineers and worked above and beyond her contracted hours to enable access to the department.

She assisted in arranging an urgent visit on the weekend by a service engineer.  She volunteered to meet the engineer on site and she has developed an excellent rapport and working relationship with the company engineers.

Any opportunities she can get to learn more about the workings of the equipment she takes and is happy to trouble shoot.  She helps to keep all around her calm by looking at problems in a logical, practical manner and works beyond her grade on a frequent basis.  She is our departments shining star and it would be great for her to receive this award.

Clare Dean, Podiatry Nurse, Podiatry Hinchingbrooke Hospital

Clare was nominated by one of her patients for the wonderful care she provides.  Clare saw this patient before her shift started, as she was fully booked, and this has happened on lots of occasions.  Clare has given excellent care and advice throughout this time and she would be a very worthy person to be nominated for a Shine a light Award.

Katie Austin, Staff Nurse CFS/ME service, Children's Community Nursing, Heron Court, Ida Darwin

Katie was nominate by two colleagues, Janey Readman and Liz Kinns for preventing a major house fire at a patients home.

Katie was in a patient's home when she heard an unusual noise from upstairs. She investigated and found smoke coming from under the bedroom door. She did not touch the door but led the parent downstairs to the outside and phoned the Fire Service.

She confirmed there was no one else in the house. The fire was in the bedroom and the noise heard was an explosion. Katie cancelled her plans and stayed with the mother to help her as she was very distressed.  By acting on this unusual noise, albeit in someone else's home, she discovered the fire and then by acting on training she has received at Trust Fire lectures she knew not to touch the door handle or to open the door. This prevented the fire spreading.

She was praised by the Fire Service for her calmness and correct approach. The family were extremely grateful and very appreciative that she stayed on to help afterwards.

Children's Community Nursing Team, Neo Natal Huntingdon, Huntingdon

The team were nominated by Julie Hadley for the fantastic service they offer to patients.  A patient experience questionnaire expressed this perfectly.  “All members of the team showed me complete respect whilst in hospital and home. They answered any questions very honestly and with thought. The journey was a shared process and it was very much needed after the shock of going into labour early. The Team supported both me and XXXXX and long may it be the valuable service that I have experienced over the weeks.

Lisa Blackwell, Project Support –CQUIN, Luton

Lisa was commended by Anne Sharpe, for her amazingly supportive to all teams who were involved in last years CQUIN. She went over and above what was required of her to ensure that teams were able to meet the deadlines and understand the reporting requirements. She is always helpful, cheerful and will go the extra mile if she can help someone out.

June Abernethy, Administrative Team Leader, Community Nursing Services, City Care Centre, Peterborough

June was nominated by Dawn Myhill, for being instrumental in coordinating the training and roll out of SystmOne for Intermediate Care and Community Nursing Staff.  Her friendly, organised and calm approach means that she makes things happen while supporting staff with their queries. I don’t know what we would do without her!

Well done to everyone who was nominated!