A senior sister who is a visionary and compassionate leader, and an empathetic, kind healthcare assistant who is truly special, are the winners of August’s You Made a Difference awards.
Alin-Ionut started at CUH in February 2021 and is currently undertaking the nursing apprentice programme.
Alin-Ionut is an asset to the G4 team and he is the most amazing individual. He regularly supports new starters and has adapted into healthcare incredibly well. Colleagues say that Alin-Ionut is a joy to work alongside and is dedicated to making a difference on a daily basis.
This is reflected in the nomination from a colleague, extracts of which told us:
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside Alin now for many months and I have witnessed his incredible empathy and kindness for each and every patient he works alongside. He is a calm presence on the ward and he really has such a special way with each patient he works with.
“To have his guidance and support is always such a blessing and he is someone I feel at ease with when I come in and see he is on shift. He goes above and beyond to make sure everyone on shift that day is okay, that they are comfortable and will always be one of the first members of the team to come and see you are okay and if there is any support in which he can provide - a skill and personality in which has made me feel at ease on many occasions.
“Alin takes his time with his patients, he is always calm- even in a situation which can cause alarm or stress. I would trust him to look after any member of my family.”
Alin is patient and shows nothing but complete kindness - as if he is caring for his own loved ones.
“Working on an elderly ward comes with many challenges and Alin takes them all in his stride.”
He is truly, truly special and it is my absolute pleasure to work with him and know he is in my team.
Carmen is a compassionate, efficient, and exemplary nurse leader. She leads by example. She personifies the modern, visionary, compassionate leader. Carmen is visible, transparent, and enthusiastic about her daily ward management. Her passion and drive for excellence have shown visible results with significant improvement in key performance indicators, increasing some performance percentages from the low 40 % to 100%. This is not just a reflection of data but demonstrates the exemplary care patients and families receive. This directly reflects Carmen’s commitment to improving both patient and staff outcomes.
Carmen aims to continue to bring the value of acute stroke rehabilitation to the forefront of care as a centre for excellence for stroke rehabilitation. They showcase the importance of acute rehabilitation as an integral part of a patient’s recovery after a stroke.
Extracts from Carmen’s nomination said:
Carmen is the ward manager for the Lewin Stroke & Rehabilitation Unit and is an exemplary nurse.
“Carmen goes beyond the boundaries and confinement of the hospital walls; recently, one of the staff members was ill and unable to do their personal shopping. Carmen purchased groceries and ensured the staff member’s individual needs were met. She used her private money to buy flowers for staff with long term illnesses. Her care and compassion are palpable.
Carmen has co-developed the Acute Stroke Module for the stroke ward at Addenbrooke’s hospital. The module is now taught at Anglia Ruskin University and is the only module in East Anglia that focuses on acute stroke care and rehabilitation.
“Carmen also teaches the module at the University, bringing the stroke and rehabilitation ward to the forefront of education and change.
“Carmen has developed a stroke pathway and stroke away day for the acute and stroke rehabilitation ward, with a rotational path for the staff on both wards. Eight months ago, since becoming the ward manager, she implemented daily safety huddles, strengthened the daily board rounds, and designed a rotation program for the assistant practitioners to work closely with the physiotherapists to improve patient outcomes.
“Throughout the recent COVID wave affecting the ward, Carmen has managed to keep both staff and patients safe.”
Carmen has developed a positive team, eager and energetic to work. She celebrates achievements with the staff to promote morale and self-worth.
“The Trust is a better place having Carmen as a manager at the organisation.”