A IT Technical Services Team member, and a EAU Administrator are our You Made a Difference award winners for March 2025.
Sarah Creeke, IT Technical Services Team
Sarah joined the IT Technical Services team in October 2022 and has since become a vital force in delivering exceptional IT support and technical excellence across CUH. Her work ensures that all desktop and server applications used by the Trust remain current, secure, and within supplier lifecycle support, helping to maintain the safety and efficiency of clinical systems.
With a wealth of technical expertise, Sarah routinely goes above and beyond to provide meaningful and lasting solutions. She supports departments with everything from reconfiguring systems and developing workarounds, to creating training resources and liaising with software developers. Her role also includes supporting the implementation of tailored IT solutions to meet specific project needs.
Martin Kanosvamhira, IT Services Manager, highlighted Sarah’s impact:
Sarah’s expert knowledge, commitment and work ethic always stand out. If I had to choose one of our values to describe her, it would be ‘Excellent’. She brings excellence to everything she does.
Martin Kanosvamhira, IT Services Manager
Sarah was nominated by a colleague for her role in a transformative project that is reshaping care for people with multiple sclerosis – the most common cause of disability in young adults.
“This was an IT project that many believed to be impossible. Sarah’s diligence uncovered and resolved dozens of technical challenges in collaboration with the software developer. Her expertise meant that decades of data from 3,000 patients did not have to be manually re-entered – a task that would have taken around two years.”
Her expertise meant that decades of data from 3,000 patients did not have to be manually re-entered – a task that would have taken around two years.
Sarah showed remarkable flexibility and teamwork, accommodating early-morning meetings to align with clinical schedules and funding deadlines. She worked seamlessly with external partners, CUH governance, and internal IT colleagues to ensure secure and timely delivery.
“The result is profound: more personalised care, faster treatments, increased participation in clinical trials, and automated data transfer to three registries. Thanks to this work, the world's largest MS database now includes over 1,000 patients from Cambridge – previously it had fewer than 20 from all of England.”
Thanks to this work, the world's largest MS database now includes over 1,000 patients from Cambridge – previously it had fewer than 20 from all of England.
This impact simply wouldn’t have been possible without Sarah. She is a shining example of what it means to be Kind, Safe, and Excellent.
Claire Atkin, EAU Administrator
This month, we’re delighted to recognise Claire Atkin, EAU Administrator, as a You Made a Difference award winner – a well-earned accolade supported by not one, but two heartfelt nominations from members of the public, and glowing praise from her manager and team.
Claire has been a valued member of the Emergency Department reception team since 2015. Over the years, she has become known for her calm, professional presence and consistently kind, empathetic approach – even during the busiest and most challenging shifts.
Aleksandra Hosaja, ED Reception Manager, shared her admiration:
“Claire brings a wealth of experience, reliability, and professionalism to every shift she works. She is a role model within the team – balancing her twilight shifts here with another daytime job, yet always giving 100%. Her dedication, work ethic and communication skills are outstanding. We are so fortunate to have her.”
Her dedication, work ethic and communication skills are outstanding. We are so fortunate to have her.
Aleksandra Hosaja, ED Reception Manager
Claire’s ability to maintain a steady, welcoming presence does not go unnoticed by the public either.
One friend of a patient wrote:
“I sat in A&E for over three hours on a busy Sunday and watched Claire greet everyone who walked in. She responded to questions with empathy and professionalism every time, de-escalating some tense situations. She set the tone for the whole department – and I made sure to tell her how impressed I was before I left. That job is tough, and she worked her socks off.”
She set the tone for the whole department – and I made sure to tell her how impressed I was before I left. That job is tough, and she worked her socks off.
Another patient added:
“Claire helped me when I arrived very unwell. She was so kind, kept everyone updated, and remembered me when I left. She was an absolute star – calm, professional, and a real asset to the department.”
She was an absolute star – calm, professional, and a real asset to the department.
Claire’s impact is clear. Through her unwavering dedication, empathy, and professionalism, she not only supports the effective running of a fast-paced service but also makes every person walking through the door feel seen, heard, and cared for.
Congratulations, Claire – and thank you for making such a difference every day.