A proud, positive and highly respectful team and a team who couldn’t turn down a challenge are the winners of April to September's You Made a Difference team awards.
Every patient who dies within Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospital is transferred to the mortuary and cared for by the team before they are collected for their funeral.
The whole team takes enormous pride in their role and work, and this is probably most evident when arranging, setting up and conducting viewings in the Woodland Suite where family members can see their loved ones after death. They spend time with the families answering any questions they may have about the next steps that they will face.
The winning nomination said of the team:
January and February are always busy months for the mortuary, due to the increase in deaths associated with the winter months. HM Coroner asked Addenbrooke's if we could take over Peterborough's autopsy work. Throughout this period the mortuary staff have never faltered in maintaining a positive attitude to the demands being put upon them and delivering a very efficient and effective service.
A gentleman who had been under the care of the lung oncology team at Addenbrooke’s with an aggressive lung tumour asked the team whether marriage would be possible whilst on ICU. Never known to refuse a challenge, the John Farman team swept into action and, in close collaboration with Anthony Gill from the chaplaincy, managed to jump all the hurdles necessary to gain an Archbishop’s licence to allow the ceremony to proceed in the intensive care unit itself.
Sadly the patient passed away only six weeks after the wedding, but during those six weeks he and his wife looked back on the ceremony with fond memories.
Congratulations to the whole John Farman intensive care team who went the extra mile to make this special event happen. Particular thanks to Anthony Gill, Jonny Martin, Heide Lizette Verdera and Alfred Dave See.
The winning nomination said of the team:
Anthony organised the wedding for a poorly patient on ICU, orchestrating a local vicar to come in and officiate. Anthony went above and beyond, staying until after midnight to ensure everything went smoothly.
Heide and Alfred were looking after the patient on ICU. They also went above and beyond, decorating the room and ensuring the space was clear of debris; they hung sheets and bunting and lights to try and make the room look special.
Jonny stayed after his shift to walk the bride down the aisle and stayed to watch the ceremony afterwards. The patient’s wife was so pleased, she phoned later to give her utmost thanks to the entire unit for organising her wedding.