11 June 2009
A nurse who walked a total of 18 miles through heavy snow to treat a patient who could have died without urgent dialysis has scooped a prestigious award for her actions.
In February, just after the worst of the record breaking levels of snow had fallen, renal nurse for Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Debbie Noble walked from her home in Ashtead to Ewell (and back) to dialyse a patient who could not get to hospital. Debbie walked the nine mile round trip twice, as the snow remained too thick to drive through for two days.
Debbie's determination has now been rewarded, as she won the NHS London Chairman's Award for outstanding achievement at a ceremony on 27 May.
This special award is given to individuals or teams who have gone beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of care experienced by NHS patients. The award recognises the commitment of health and care staff that have shown that only the best is good enough for their patients and service users.
Debbie said: "I am delighted but astounded to have won this award. The fact is that in the healthcare profession, people go beyond the call of duty quite regularly. I was just doing my job, and I'm sure that many people in my position would have done the same.
"This award isn't about any individual, it's about the whole of the team - and I happen to work with a fantastic bunch of people. I would like to thank all of my colleagues."
NHS London is the strategic health authority for the whole of Greater London and is responsible for the care that Trust's like Epsom and St Helier provide to the people of London and surrounding areas. The NHS London annual awards celebrate excellence and innovation in health services and reward NHS staff for their dedication in providing care and support to patients every day of the year.
Chairman of NHS London, Sir Richard Sykes, presented Debbie with the award. He said: "I have been so impressed by the dedication and commitment of those nominated for the award. Debbie really went the extra mile for her patient and she deserves to be truly commended."
The award ceremony was a glitzy affair, taking place at BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) in the heart of London's West End.
Debbie said: "It was a lovely evening that took place in a beautiful building, and we all scrubbed up well!"
Pippa Hart, Director of Nursing for the Trust said: "Debbie's actions during the snow were incredibly admirable, and we are very proud to have nurses like her working at the Trust. It's true that many of our staff went above and beyond the call of duty during this year's snow, and this award just goes to show that their hard work and dedication is really appreciated."
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the leading renal services in the UK and runs satellite dialysis centres in Crawley, Croydon, Farnham, West Byfleet and Kingston. The units are used by patients from across south west London, Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire and save them from having to travel to hospital unnecessarily.
