Since 2009, You Make a Difference has celebrated the contribution to excellent patient care by CUH members of staff.
More than a thousand nominations are received every year from the public, colleagues and the community, and we are proud to share the stories of this month’s winners:
- Amy Amory - Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor
- Ian Whitsed - Healthcare Assistant, Day Surgery Unit
- Specialist Palliative Care Team and Ward T2 – The Willows Team
Winner - Amy Amory
Amy Amory has received a You Make a Difference award in recognition of the exceptional support, compassion and leadership she brings to both colleagues and the wider Occupational Health service. Nominated by colleagues, Amy was praised for consistently going above and beyond to support those around her while helping ensure the department runs smoothly and effectively.
Since taking up her role as Senior Occupational Health Nurse Advisor, Amy has become a trusted source of advice and support for both staff and colleagues. Her guidance and willingness to support others have helped colleagues navigate challenges and ensured the service continues to deliver high-quality care despite periods of low staffing and heavy workloads.
One nomination highlighted Amy's dedication to supporting an individual through an exceptionally difficult period in their life. Through patience, empathy and encouragement, she built a trusted relationship that helped them engage with the support available. She encouraged attendance at appointments and, whenever possible, accompanied them, offering reassurance and advocacy that made a significant difference to their confidence and wellbeing.
Nico Vatti, Senior Lead Clinical Nurse in Occupational Health, said: “Amy is a supportive and approachable leader who is highly valued and respected by her colleagues. She is recognised for her knowledge, professionalism and confidence, and is always willing to support others when needed. Amy has made a significant contribution to the team and is thoroughly deserving of this recognition.”
Winner - Ian Whitsed
Nominated five times in the last two years, Ian Whitsed has been chosen to receive a You Make a Difference award due to his outstanding compassion, dedication and commitment to both patient care and colleague wellbeing. Nominated by a colleague, Ian was praised for consistently delivering kind and dignified care while also helping create a supportive and positive environment for those around him.
Working as a Healthcare Assistant in the Day Surgery Unit since 2015, Ian is known for always putting patients first and ensuring they are as comfortable as possible during their time in hospital. One nomination highlighted the exceptional care he provided to a patient experiencing self-neglect who had been admitted for elective surgery.
Ian's commitment extends beyond his direct role. Colleagues praised his willingness to volunteer for redeployment to support other areas of the hospital whenever needed, often stepping forward to help teams facing additional pressures. His positivity and team spirit have also made a lasting impact, with Ian regularly organising bring-and-share events and championing workplace wellbeing, helping to boost morale and strengthen relationships across the team.
Lucia Lauria, Senior Sister in the Day Surgery Unit, said: “We are very fortunate to have Ian as part of our team. He consistently approaches his patients and colleagues in a kind and compassionate way.”
Winner - Specialist Palliative Care Team and Ward T2 – The Willows Team
The Specialist Palliative Care Team and Ward T2 – The Willows Team have been recognised with a You Make a Difference award for their outstanding collaboration in creating a dedicated, compassionate approach to end-of-life care at CUH. Their joint efforts have helped establish The Willows as a welcoming environment where comfort, dignity and personalised care are at the centre of every patient's experience.
Colleagues and families praised the teams for building something new, creating opportunities for earlier conversations about wishes and preferences while providing a quieter, more supportive setting for patients and those closest to them. Families spoke about feeling cared for and supported throughout their time on the ward, while colleagues recognised the teams' professionalism, emotional resilience and ability to support one another under pressure.
One family member spoke of spending several weeks with their husband on the ward and described nurses, kitchen staff and cleaners as becoming friends. They praised the team's compassion and kindness, recalling how staff helped celebrate a birthday with family, friends, cake and even a pet dog, ensuring cherished moments could continue right until the end of life.
Hannah Donald, Lead Nurse for the Specialist Palliative Care Team, said: “It has been a real pleasure to be part of two teams working so collaboratively towards a common goal. We are all committed to creating an environment where we can provide safe, compassionate, and holistic care to patients at the end of their lives, with their needs and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.”