This award is an opportunity for patients, families, visitors and Trust colleagues to say ‘thank you – you made a difference’ to a member of staff or a team for anything (however small!) that helped make their experience of our services better.

Shine a Light Award Winner – January 2014

Emma Chipperfield, Podiatrist, Podiatry, Shelford Medical Practice

Emma was nominated by Sarah Hill for her commitment to patient care and commended for her approach and the pride she takes in her work and the projects she has taken on.

Emma works in the City and south locality and has recently taken part in the Health coaching training sessions.  She has received some great feed back from staff and patients on the impact her approach to treatment plans is having, empowering patients to self help and maintain mobility. Emma was recognised for the time and effort she takes in her patient education sessions. She has arranged for numerous training sessions to be delivered to Cam Sight in City and South. For those patients with vision impairment this package will support them to look after their feet at home and to ensure they are aware of concerns and how to access the service.

Congratulations to Emma!

Other nominations included:

Sue Fisher, Administrator for Children's Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Children's Therapy Services, Oak Tree Centre

Sue was commended for working tirelessly to help keep the department running smoothly with organising appointments and clinics, ordering equipment and keeping up with filing and discharges. Sue continually shows patience and problem solves all manner of issues which help’s everyone to keep effective within the time pressures which impact on the whole team.

For example she identified how a patient has suddenly come onto a waiting list which has caused pressure due to short time frame to meet the 18 week deadline for assessment.  She followed up with some specific technical questions about a specialist toilet chair identified for a child and some impromptu teaching on SystmOne in good humour. The department runs at a fast pace and under pressure and Sue helps keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

HALOS, Community Nurses, HALOS ICT DEPT

The team were nominated for their endless commitment and hard work during challenging times in District Nursing over the last twelve months.  Their dedication to the patients and quality of work has never been compromised and the support within the team for each other has been amazing.

Gillian Wardell, Community Phlebotomist, Luton Treatment Centre

Gillian was nominated for the extensive amount of time spent developing a folder full of information with regards to taking blood tests and what bottles should be used for samples. A lot of time and dedication has gone into this project and it has ultimately helped all Luton Phlebotomy clinics. She instigated this of her own accord and has spent time with the laboratory staff ensuring that all the information is as up to date and relevant as it can be. Other staff and peers have mentioned how wonderful this work she has completed is and how it makes the clinics so much easier by referring to a folder rather than having to disrupt people or make multiple telephone calls.

Elizabeth Watson, Physiotherapist, MSK, Hinchingbrooke

Elizabeth was nominated by a member of staff who was referred to her with a severe frozen shoulder in June 2013 and she was marvellous!  She explained the injury in layman terms and how certain movements can improve/exacerbate it. The patient is now free of pain after several sessions with her. She was very kind and understanding of the discomfort she was in.

Dr Mary Rose Ekstrom, Dental Practitioner, Cambridge

Dr Ekstrom was nominated by one of her patients for the wonderful treatment he received from the Emergency Dental Team at Seymour Street, Cambridge.  The reception staff where courteous and efficient but he is now recovering from days and nights of the worst pain he has experienced thanks to Dr Mary Rose Ekstrom. 

She was clearly very skilled in her field, showing great empathy, insight and was informative all the way through my emergency treatment.  The patient needed a wisdom tooth extracted due to hidden decay that was causing the pain. Dr Ekstrom x-rayed his mouth and warned him of the complications that where almost inevitable due to the hook shaped root of the tooth. He had lots of injections in his mouth, all of them painful but Dr Ekstrom managed to numb his face without any added pain; a clear indication of a highly skilled practitioner.

She was able to remove the tooth, despite the disfigured root, with out breakage, saving him further surgery.  He is now recovering and owes his gratitude to her and the team at Seymour Street. 

Andrew Francis Flores, Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Oaktree Centre

Andrew was nominated by one of his patients for treatment on his foot, including day surgery, at the Oak Tree Centre.

He was completely delighted with the outcome and also with the kindness, attention and professionalism of all the staff. His appointments were punctual and he always felt safe and confident while in their care. They are provide a brilliant service.