A hands-on deputy operational matron for whom nothing is ever too much trouble and a contact centre agent with an impeccable knowledge of the Trust are the winners of February’s You Made a Difference awards.
Sally Walters has worked in the operation centre as a deputy operational matron for three years. Prior to joining this team, Sally worked as a nurse consultant for NCCU, but most people will remember Sally from her role as divisional head of nursing for division A.
Sally’s wealth of clinical knowledge, her ability to put a mature and thoughtful focus on any situation makes Sally a most valuable team member and patient advocate.
The way she makes the young healthcare assistant, who is trying to get her time sheet signed, feel as if they are the most important person at that time is so wonderful and kind.
Sally is a hands-on person and I know that this is so appreciated by ward staff and patients.
This is reflected in the winning nomination; extracts of which told us:
Sally is a true credit to her profession and this Trust. When holding the bleep for my division, Sally is always cheerful and boosting morale, especially these last few months. Sally is always ready in our meetings or at the end of the phone with advice, support and realistic expectations.
Sally is a great communicator and always follows up on actions set out. She is reliable and a fantastic source for information and guidance to everyone. The feedback she gets from the ward staff across all areas is something to be commended. She not only walks the site, she rolls up her sleeves and really helps. From answering buzzers, moving beds, taking patients on and off commodes, etc. nothing is ever too much trouble.
Sally goes above and beyond to not only make sure the Trust is the best it can be, but also to ensure patient safety and care is paramount and our staff feel valued and supported. She is a passionate and dedicated nurse who has never forgotten the core values of nursing.
Dan Rose is the true heart of the contact centre where he has worked, or the switchboard as it was then, since 2005.
Dan’s deep voice and cheerful persona are instantly recognised by many members of staff that call us on a regular basis. His knowledge of the Trust is impeccable - he knows who to call and their extension number given almost any circumstances.
He is steadfast in his dedication to giving the best service he can to the thousands of people that call us every day.
This is reflected in the winning nomination, extracts of which said:
On a night shift our ward nurses were trying to source some medications for a patient who was coming to the end of their life, to make their passing calmer and more gentle. Staff were having difficulties contacting the right person to help with this and went through the contact centre and spoke to Dan. Dan went out of his way to help. He was imaginative and tried many possible ways to help our nurses resolve their problem.
It can be very challenging to resolve problems on night shifts and as ward nurses you can feel really isolated, but Dan's care and efforts made such a difference on that night.
Dan’s help provided great support to our nurses, who in turn were caring for a gentleman and his family at the most difficult time of life. Dan’s kindness and care for those he was helping was evident, and stood out as exemplary. Thank you Dan, for helping our nurses and a patient. You truly made a difference.