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.

The winner for August 2015 is:

Peter Merton, Receptionist, Kingsway Clinic, Cambridge

Peter was nominated by Dr Ann Humphreys for his work as a part-time receptionist at Kingsway clinic, Cambridge. Peter has worked at the clinic since the late 1990s after he retired at 65 from his "proper job". He is always charming to the patients (who range from a few days of age up to those in their 90s) and their families and is well liked by all.

He will always go the extra mile - going out to direct people into the car park, phoning to order taxis and clearing the entrance of leaves, snow and ice. He knows the regular patients well and always has a cheery chat with them. However, he is much more than a receptionist. He always arrives early (about 7am) to open up, warm the rooms for the small babies and prepare everything for the clinicians. He monitors and arranges all the cleaning, maintenance and repairs and ensures that the clinic is as clean and welcoming as it can be. Above all he is a great source of support for all the staff who work there and he will be sorely missed by all when he retires at the age of 80 at the end of August!

Congratulations to Peter on winning the August Shine a Light award.

Other nominations included:

Michelle Pilkinton, Community Matron, Luton Community Unit
Dr Anthea Robinson (GP at Moakes Surgery) and CCG lead for Dementia spoke to Linda Sharkey about Michelle Pilkinton Community Matron in Luton. Dr Robinson said: 'Michelle is a fantastic advocate for patients and carers in the Luton co-production meetings system wide to improve dementia services. Her common sense, huge compassion and compelling public speaking always manages to convey the needs of patients and carers.'

Mandy Pears, Patient and Administration Services Manager, North Cambs Hospital
Mandy was nominated by Sarah-Jane Gill for her involvement in the set up of Vancouver house.  She set up and negotiated a transport link between North Cambs and Vancouver house for pharmaceutical services critical for service delivery. This was managed in a very short timescale and Mandy maximised the use of her local contacts to negotiate the best price and delivery options available. This saved the Trust the cost of ad hoc couriers and ensured the service had the supplies they needed. Mandy took real ownership of this task and independently sought out a solution with a very entrepreneurial approach. She negotiated the best possible price and managed to convince the couriers to maximise the use of existing routes. This has enabled the service to deliver on time and is a great example of innovative action and taking responsibility to resolve an issue outside of her role for the wider interests of the Trust.

Stephanie Harris and Team E, Community Nursing Staff, Adult Community Nursing Luton
Sarah Bunn (Nurse Manager) nominated Stephanie and the team on behalf of a service user.

The patient had had over twenty serious hospital admissions since October 2013. On the 27 April 2015 arrangements were made for the Community District Nursing Team to commence daily home visits. Stephanie was the first member of the team the patient met and she explained the process and sorted out all of the paperwork, equipment etc. and put her at ease straight away. The team looked after her, administering treatments, observations, taking bloods and whatever was required was done with kindness and care.

The team have liaised with doctors, staff at her GP practice, the Luton and Dunstable Hospital and the Hospital at Home Acute Care team.  On one occasion Stephanie contacted her surgery following issues and changes with her left arm (DVT site) which turned out to be a life saving event. Her GP surgery reviewed and assessed her, sent her to A&E and she was admitted, needing a life saving blood transfusion.

Without exception the whole Community Nursing Team has been impressive.  They are a credit to the NHS and have at all times treated the patient with courtesy, respect and care.

Well done to you all!