23 May 2008
Almost 200 staff and their family and friends gathered at Epsom Racecourse recently for the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust's Employee Awards Ceremony. The annual event is a celebration of loyalty, dedication and recognition of special achievements.
27 members of staff were presented with long service certificates by Chairman John Davey and Chief Executive Samantha Jones after clocking up 25 years. A further 73 employees were recognised for 15 years service to the Trust. Adding all 100 staff together gives a combined career comprising 1,770 years.
Medical secretary Maureen Crichton recently celebrated 26 years at the Trust and was one of the recipients of the long service award. She started her career at the Carshalton War Memorial Hospital as an auxiliary nurse before transferring to the maternity department at St Helier Hospital, then making the transition to medical secretary.
Maureen said: "Working in the NHS has provided me with a variety of roles as well as opportunities to specialise in secretarial work. I enjoy the job but would never have thought 25 years ago that I would still be here - it's a very interesting and friendly place to work."
Awards of excellence were also handed to staff who either won or came 'runner up' in seven categories. These were 'Behind the Scenes', 'Front of House', 'Clinical', 'Leadership' 'Infection Control', 'Positive Attitude', and 'Effective Use of Resources.'
Lindsey Blazey is an outpatient assistant who works in the renal department at St Helier Hospital. She won the 'Front of House' category which was given to the individual whose contribution has improved the hospital experience for visitors and patients.
Lindsey said: "I feel really honoured not just to have won the award, but to have been nominated for it in the first place. I really enjoy working in the renal department. The staff and patients are all extremely pleasant people to work with - it's a lovely place to be."
Lindsey was nominated for developing an 'outstanding rapport with staff and patients' as well as 'possessing an excellent telephone manner.' She is also 'well liked by patients and staff.'
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Ridge, secretary in the obstetrics and gynaeological department at Epsom Hospital won the 'Behind the Scenes' category. This is awarded to the employee whose work may go unnoticed, is invaluable to the working of the Trust and often performs 'above and beyond the call of duty.'
Elizabeth was nominated for her high standards of written and verbal communication, her empathy and commitment and for her 'immense hard work for the benefit of the department.' Two patients were so impressed with her that they named their daughters after her.
The Chairman's Cup was presented to the team or individual for their commitment to improving the patient experience. This was won by the lead nurses team who include Linda Bryan, George Donley, Rebecca Ellis, Pauline Fonteriz, Clare Gately, Susan Harrison, Amanda Lavender, Marie Paterson and Tracy Smith. They were nominated for being passionate about delivery high standards of care to patients as well as being easy to work with in very challenging roles. Lead nurses manage nursing services within specific specialities (for instance paediatrics and accident and emergency).
Samantha Jones, Chief Executive, said: "I am extremely proud of every member of staff who received their awards not just for what they do for themselves, but for the care they have provided for our patients. Events like this are of enormous importance as it provides an opportunity to say 'thank you' for the hard work and dedication shown by everyone. I am extremely impressed with the enormous levels of commitment, hard work and loyalty shown."
Other winners included
Clinical
This award is given to the clinician or clinical team whose innovative research, clinical care or intervention has benefited patient care.
WINNER: The Roy Harfitt Eye Unit, Sutton Hospital.
Leadership
This award is given to the individual who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, particularly with regards to encouraging staff involvement, listening to staff and valuing their feedback.
WINNER: Jane Ward, Head of Environmental Services.
Infection Control
This award is given to the individual or team making a significant contribution to reducing the risks of hospital required infection.
WINNER: Renal Team - Mincy Pappachan, Josephine Murphy, Gillian Terry
(infection control champions), Dawn Finch, (health care assistant).
Positive Attitude
This award is given to the individual who remains positive at all times, nothing ever gets them down. They have the ability to lift the spirits of those around them. They are recognised for their smile, laughter and cheery disposition.
WINNER: Tracy Smith, Lead Nurse.
Effective Use of Resources
This award is given to the individual who has made the most significant contribution to utilising resources and/or saving money.
WINNER: Paul Haslett, Environmental Support Services Manager.
