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.

We are delighted to announce that our February ‘Shine a Light’ winner is:

Susan Cassels, Clinical Co-ordinator, Acquired Brain Injury Service, Bedfordshire

Susan was nominated by Helen Thomas for going above and beyond in supporting the team.

Helen said: “Susan has been working extra hours for a few months to meet the increasing demands of the inpatient rehab pathway - but these last few weeks whilst we have been linked into the 'Perfect Week' she has worked her socks off to expedite discharges from hospital.

“We've had some really complex cases to manage and a very high referral rate, but Susan has remained calm, systematic and supportive to the team.”

What a lovely nomination, well done Susan!

Other nominations this month:

Laura Allender, Community Eye Service Administrator, Eye Service, Bedfordshire

Laura was nominated by Sarah Pearson for always being happy to help with any query that staff members have, whether this relates to administration or IT issues. Sarah said: “No matter how rushed off her feet she may be, she is always willing to help others. She goes beyond her job role to help solve issues offering her support during non-working days. She is an integral part of the team and has worked particularly hard during the Omicron surge. Dealing with staff shortages and the impact that this has on clinics.”

Joanna Restall, Infant Feeding Advisor, 0-19 HCP, Cambridgeshire

Joanna was nominated by Nina Morley for always going above and beyond when supporting families with complex feeding issues. Nina said: “She has been supporting a family with some of the most complex issues that she has come across, as well as with the emotional impact that this has had on the family. She liaised with other professionals to get the family some ongoing support as well as offering regular contacts with herself which went above and beyond what is expected.”

Kirsty Hardiman, Community Nursery Nurse, Luton School Nursing team

Emma Teasdale said: “Kirsty has shown an ongoing commitment to supporting the families in Luton, always with compassion and kindness in very difficult circumstances.”

Kristine (Krisse) Fuller, Navigator, Luton Community Cancer Team

Clare Hamilton said: “Since Krisse has joined the Cancer team, she has made a real difference supporting me in my role as a Bank Cancer Nurse and it’s difficult to mention one action because she is continually providing help and advice that makes a difference.”

Karen Layer, Student Recruitment Administrator, Community Paediatrics team, Peacock Centre

Dr Hilary Toulmin nominated Karen for her wonderful support.  She said: “I sent a task in on Friday evening, after the end of the day and the missing questionnaire was uploaded to the child's S1 by 10.30am on Monday morning! The appointment was the next day and having all the required evidence probably means that an extra appointment is avoided. As a doctor, I have worked in many departments in the NHS and I'm astonished by how good the administration for Community Paediatrics at the Peacock Centre is - so just wanted to shout about it! Thank you all.”

Fantastic nominations this month, well done to everyone who was nominated, well deserved!