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.

Our winner for July 2024 is:

Gillian Hobbs, Falls Support Worker, Luton Falls Team

Gill was nominated by Gamaliel Sepulchre for being a fundamental part of the team, always a team worker and for being passionate in her role as Equipment champion and she is always very helpful to each and everyone. Gill recently stepped up and rolled up her sleeves and pulled the team together to control a waiting list from thirty down to 4!

A colleague said: "I just wanted to flag up that it has been very heavy referral wise, and the team has been extremely sparce but collectively rolled up sleeves and an all-hands-on deck approach was great. What has worked well is good old fashioned "teamwork", particularly Gillian Hobbs. As you can imagine with all the hot weather, the referrals were perpetual resulting in a wait list that had developed a body, legs, and tail - sadly, the wait list has turned into a little animal by Friday at 4pm. I have come on duty this morning to a sparkly clean wait list - no sign of head, tail or legs that had developed, despite everyone on duty helping (on one day we had received 22+ referrals).

“Gill had donned her cape and done her Wonder Woman Magic. I am truly grateful that we have Gill in our team, she is a true professional and is just awesome! When Gill is on duty, there is no stone unturned - she continues to shine and go over and above always giving 100% irrespective of her own workload and complex patients. Gill is extremely well respected, a trooper, problem solver and a whizz with Medequip. She is looked on as a "senior" and with her wealth of experience in healthcare and knowledge gained along that road which I know the new members of the team have found extremely resourceful.”

Brilliant nomination Gill, well done!

Other nominations this month included:

Sophie Draper, Community Nursery Nurse, Luton Health Visiting team

Sophie was nominated by Yeukai Chawasarira for being very supportive. Yeukai said: “Sophie was patient and made me feel comfortable and welcome as I settled into my new role as public health nurse. Sophie always made time to stay after clinics and go through anything I needed support with. One year on Sophie is always happy to help and she has stood out for me with her calmness, work ethic and approachable demeanour. People like Sophie help to make the work environment positive and bearable even during challenging times.”

Peter Cracknell, Education Facilitator for iCaSH Cambridge and Deputy Manager, Lime Tree Clinic

Victoria Martin, nominated Peter for supporting and training in the service to provide vaccine clinics, this has enabled iCaSH Cambridgeshire to improve access. Victoria said: “He has also trained and supported multi staff through their FSRH diplomas and we couldn't have done it without him!”

Karen Fell, Volunteer Lead

Lucy Colley nominated Karen for all the hard work she has done to support her and the Heart Failure service with organising a new volunteer opportunity. Lucy said: “Karen gave amazing support by providing lots of information, creating a volunteer role description, advertising the role, and helping us to find a volunteer to fill the vacancy. Karen was quick to respond and get things completed and gave detailed answers to every question asked.

“The hard work Karen did has helped us to find a great volunteer who now provides valuable support to the Heart Failure service. Karen went above and beyond with her support, and I am very grateful for her kindness, friendliness, and attention to detail which made the whole process go smoothly.”

Louisa Farrell, Service Manager (Long Term Conditions and Frailty), Luton

Sharon Kiff said: “Since Lou has been in post in Luton Adult services, she has been a very valuable resource to the clinical hub admin team. She is always happy to help, answer questions (no matter how silly). Even when she is busy, she will always find time or get back to you when she has a free moment. Lou is very approachable, and nothing is ever too much trouble. She has a lovely personality and we all really enjoy working alongside her. From all the Adult Admin team.”

Great nominations everyone!