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 June is:

Julie Hazell, Health Visitor, St Neots

Julie was nominated by Jo Smith for the amazing feedback she had from received from one of her families.  Julie has worked exceptionally hard to overcome previous negative experiences making the feedback all the more exceptional.

The feedback reads: “My daughter was born in September 2013 with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome and heart condition AVSD.  In addition to requiring open heart surgery she has also needed support for hearing loss in the use of bi-lateral hearing aids, speech therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, regular paediatric reviews, sleep apnoea resulting in surgery and support from a dietician for feeding and drinking issues.  We also had to navigate the complex and emotional application for Disability Living Allowance and one to one support for her to attend nursery.

“Over the last eighteen months I have suffered two miscarriages and welcomed our second daughter, into the world three months ago. Needless to say, the last three years have been a rollercoaster for our family from the great highs of the birth of both of our daughters to challenges of major surgery and everything in between.

“Julie has supported my family through these early years with compassion, humour and enormous strength.  Never once has she ever pitied us, always respecting that despite the challenges we wouldn't change our daughter for the world.  Never once has she ever used language or terms that offends or belittles us (as so many professionals do when referring to a child who has Down syndrome).

“She has offered emotional support when I've needed it, always finding time despite her busy schedule to listen. Julie has offered practical support around the usual trials of becoming a new Mum such as breastfeeding support. She was of particular help when my daughter experienced feeding and drinking issues, I was terrified that she would have to return to being tube fed. Julie kept me calm, listened to my concerns, regularly weighed her, worked with me to try different techniques to encourage her to drink and liaised with the dietician and feeding specialist when I felt I couldn't manage alone.

“Julie’s practical and emotional support has been key to the success of my family over the past three years. We have done far more than simply managed, we have thrived and we have enjoyed our children safe in the knowledge that, if needed, support is only a phone call away.  I cannot thank Julie enough.

Congratulations to Julie, lovely feedback!

Other nominations this month were:

The Community Matron Team, Luton - Chris Bunnage, Michelle Pilkington, Lisa Parrish, Jodie Deards, Liz Yusuf, Liz Baranowski, Janet McGill, Sally Spencer, Sue Phillips, Alison Akkus, Cathy Huxley and Katie Telford
The team was nominated by Sarah Bunn after the significant transformation to enable care provision in line with the Better Together Strategy. Despite the many challenges considerable change brings with it, the team have met this change in vision for the service positivity, proactively and supportively. Often with a smile! Sarah said “It has been a privilege to work with the team during this time and to see them embrace new ways of working, transitioning their existing caseload and new workload concurrently. Whilst trying to understand the transition for themselves they have actively acknowledged and shared the positive implications of the change with colleagues and stakeholders. I am proud to nominate the whole team for the Shine a Light award.”

Judy Hunter, Joy Willett and Sian Walden Jones, Ely Nursery Nurses, Princess of Wales, Ely
Judy, Joy and Sian were nominated by Kim Chenery for organising a group session with all of the local nurseries in the evening, to discuss changes in the delivery of one of the health assessments.  This saved time and money for the Trust and delivered the message to all nurseries at the same time.

Nicola Foreman, Children's Occupational Therapist - Team Leader, East Cambs and Fenland
Nicola was commended by Susie Crago for working tirelessly within the team to provide a high-quality, evidence based service for the children and families that need to access Occupational Therapy. Despite maintaining a busy clinical caseload and taking a lead role in various service redesigns Nicola always manages to support other members of staff both personally and professionally. Susie said: “I am always in awe of just how much Nicola manages to squeeze into her day while always making families feel listen to and valued.”

Trish Coleman, Receptionist, Luton Drug Service
Trish was nominated by a patient for always making them feel welcome and for going above and beyond in her job.

Emma Morley, Hunts Area Manager, 0-19 Healthy Child Programme
Emma was nominated by Melanie Denniss for being an exceptional leader who is driven to improve the service.  She values all staff and is always very supportive by seeing the potential in people and the encouragement she gives as a leader is second to none.  Emma always goes the extra mile in supporting her peers and colleagues. Her role is very demanding but it is always met with positivity.  Emma is an asset to the Trust and is highly thought of by everyone in the team.  Melanie said “without Emma I would not be where I am today.”

Pauline Jackson, Administrator, Children and Young People’s 0-19 HCP Team, Doddington
Bekkie Cochrane nominated Pauline for going out of her way to complete all the paperwork for recruitment of student health visitors and school nurse. Bekkie said: “Pauline has helped out when things are not running smoothly.  No job is too much trouble.”

Alan Oakham, Support Worker, Luton Drug Service, Leagrave
Alan was nominated by one of his patient’s for trying hard to make things easier on the user to change.

Manik Kulkarni, Physiotherapist, Peterborough
Manik was nominated by a patient who has had many physio’s over the years, who have treated both her back and right hip, nothing has ever worked very well, making her feel her life wasn't worth anything much as she had to rely on a walking stick since 2001. With the different exercises this lovely lady has taught her, she has taken her first trip out without it. This has made her feel better in herself, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The patient said: “I know I'll not be able to walk far but to be able to do what I have to me is a miracle. Not only is Manik a great physio, she's a fab person too. I felt I wasn't a number, I was me, Kim.  She greeted me in her friendly manner. During my treatment, my son was in a coma so I was unable to attend; I couldn't give notice, but every time since she has asked after him and how I've been doing. Through her way of getting through to me she has finally got me to see sense with my condition. A gem in our NHS!”

Well done to everyone who was nominated this month!