Celebrating “our dedicated and inspiring people” at the Trust Awards 2023

Last week colleagues from across our trust gathered at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who work to directly or indirectly care for our local community, and whose endeavours have been recognised by their colleagues or the people we serve.

Joe Chadwick-Bell, Chief Executive, said: “It was a wonderful evening and I loved being able to chat with so many colleagues over the course of the night. The awards are a great way of recognising the work colleagues do and I was blown away by the energy in the room. I felt so much pride at the accomplishments of all our finalists and winners; the achievements and the positive impact each of our nominees made is inspiring and each one of you should feel immensely proud that your contribution has been recognised.”

The awards were held on the night of the NHS’s 75th birthday, which made the event particularly special and was an opportunity for all colleagues to take a moment to reflect on the difference they make and to their part in the 75 year story of the NHS.

Steve Phoenix, Chairman, said: “I would like to thank all colleagues for your loyalty, dedication and ability to cope under all extremes. The care and compassion you offer our patients is truly exceptional. You are a credit to the trust and your efforts are much appreciated. I feel great pride at being part of the celebration of so many of our dedicated and inspiring people. Well done to you all.”

Employee of the Year Award

The Employee of the Year Award for corporate services goes to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in achieving our vision and objectives. The award recognises an individual who demonstrates our values on a daily basis, goes above and beyond the call of duty and develops initiatives to enhance life at the trust for the benefit of patients and colleagues.

The finalists were:

• Mohammed Abel Gawad, Senior Deputy Finance Business Partner
• Jo Brandt, GIRFT and Model Hospital System Programme Lead
• Penny Wright, Assistant Director HR – Workforce
• Juliet Page, Administrative Assistant for Engagement and Wellbeing

And the winner was… Juliet Page! Well done, Juliet.

Juliet’s nomination read:

“Juliet works amazingly hard. She is organised and thorough and gives such attention to detail. Juliet is always helpful and is a real team player; respectful, compassionate, and very proactive in making improvements.”

Digital Innovation Award

The Digital Innovation Award goes to an individual or team who has improved the experience of colleagues and/or patients and service users either through the introduction of new digital technology or by introducing or improving a digital process or system.

The finalists were:

• Elaine Tate, Head AHP, Acute Therapies
• Technology Enhanced Education Team
• Ear, Nose and Throat Speech and Language Therapy Team
• Switchboard Team

And the winner was… the Ear, Nose and Throat Speech and Language Therapy Team! Well done to you all.

The Ear, Nose and Throat Speech and Language Therapy Team nomination read:

“The Ear, Nose and Throat Speech and Language Therapy Team created the virtual Voice Care Programme to provide patients with vital information to reduce their symptoms while on voice therapy waiting lists. The programme reduces the need for face to face intervention, and achieved effective discharge of 72% of patients in the first pilot and 69% in the second pilot.”

Apprentice of the Year Award

A new category this year, the Apprentice of the Year Award recognises an apprentice that has demonstrated exceptional personal qualities and has made significant achievements through their apprenticeship in development of skills, knowledge, and attitude.

The finalists were:

• Daniel Shelton, Occupational Therapy Apprentice
• Dhanya Arun, Doctors’ Assistant
• Natasha Bassett, Podiatrist
• Mary Kulasuriya Patabadiga, Trainee Chef

And the winner was… Daniel Shelton! Well done, Daniel.

Daniel’s nomination read:

“Dan is a proactive, knowledgeable and resourceful team member who is passionate about occupational therapy and the apprenticeship programme. He is succeeding in his learning both at university and on placement and applying it to the workplace with great success.”

Team of the Year Award

The Team of the Year Award recognises a team who are cohesive and focused, where each member is valued individually for their contribution in the provision of safe patient care and an excellent experience.

The finalists are:

• Emergency Department Reception Teams
• Logistics Team
• Urgent Community Response Team
• Learning Disability Multi-Disciplinary Team

And the winner was… the Urgent Community Response Team! Well done to the team.

The nomination for the Urgent Community Response Team read:

“The urgent community response team have embraced the addition of the Virtual Ward to their workload. A baseline of 1,200 patients a month has risen to 1,800 a month and continues to rise. The team respond to over 70% of patients within two hours, supporting patients to be cared for in the comfort of their own home.”

Support Worker of the Year Award (non-clinical bands 2 to 4)

The Non-Clinical Support Worker of the Year Award is for a non-clinical individual who has made a difference behind the scenes by supporting clinical services to deliver better care for service users.

The finalists were:

• Alison Young, Theatres Administrator
• Emma Gray, JCR Office Manager
• Cherry Taylor, Therapies Administrator
• Victoria Streeter, Ward Clerk

And the winner was… Alison Young! Well done, Alison.

Alison’s nomination read:

“Alison is one of the most supportive and helpful people to work with. She is always positive and supports theatres and the wider hospital to improve service and make it safer for our patients. Alison has been key in the successful implementation of the new patient system for Sussex Premier Health.”

Enhancing Patient Safety, Experience and Care Award

The Enhancing Patient Safety, Experience and Care Award recognises improvements made to patient care, experience or safety, either directly or indirectly.

The finalists were:

• Kate Weatherly, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner
• Sally Tipler and Abigail De Guzman, Venesection Nurses
• Ophthalmology Team – Bexhill
• Dr Masoodi, Gastroenterology Consultant

And the winners were… Sally Tipler and Abigail De Guzman! Well done, Sally and Abigail.

Sally and Abigail’s nomination read:

“Sally and Abby have transformed the way haematomachrosis patients keep a record of their care. They saw a need and worked together to create a diary that replaced the existing, small and expensive solution. The diary improves patient care and respects the need of these patients to be fully included and informed of their own condition.”

Support Worker of the Year Award (clinical bands 2 to 4)

The Clinical Support Worker of the Year Award is for an individual who has made a difference behind the scenes by supporting clinical services to deliver better care for service users.

The finalists were:

• Amy Long, Nursing Associate
• Pauline Holdstock, Healthcare Assistant
• Gaia Francheschini, Macmillan Dietitian Assistant Practitioner
• Sophie Tickle, Occupational Therapy Assistant

And the winner was… Gaia Francheschini! Well done, Gaia.

Gaia’s nomination read:

“Gaia demonstrates a remarkably high degree of professionalism, empathy and excellent communication skills. She has an excellent level of knowledge and skills. We have deep respect for her and her work ethic, and how much she genuinely cares for our patients and supports us to deliver the best possible service.”

Health and Wellbeing Award

The Health and Wellbeing Award acknowledges and recognises an individual or team who demonstrates improvements they have made to the health and wellbeing of others at work.

The finalists were:

• Dawn Clarke, Joint Community Rehabilitation Admin Assistant
• Jennifer Newbury, Trust Lead for Health and Safety
• Havens Community Nursery Nurses and Health Visiting Service
• The TRIM team – Engagement and Wellbeing

And the winner was… Jennifer Newbury! Well done, Jennifer.

Jennifer’s nomination read:

“Jenny is passionate about staff welfare following up on actions and supporting teams with implementation. She has developed a new stress assessment tool that is easy to use and provides informative reports at local and trust level. It is being considered as a possible framework at neighbouring trusts. Jenny is also aware of patient safety, providing key information in relation to high-risk areas for patients.”

Supporting Development and Learning in the Workplace Award

The Supporting Development and Learning Award is for individuals/teams who have developed learners and colleagues in the workplace, through mentorship, supervision, coaching, teaching and apprenticeships.

The finalists were:

• Mouth Care Matters, Speech and Language Therapy
• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Practice Development Team
• Tim Barrow, Resuscitation Officer
• Emma Davey, Joint Community Resus Nurse Falls

And the winner was… the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Practice Development Team. Well done team!

The nomination for the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Practice Development Team read:

“In response to identifying a gap in provision the team produced a magnificent preceptorship programme. The team have collaborated with over 50 people and included the broader AHP professions, supporting recruitment and retention. The team have been true innovators displaying the trust values at every step.”

Working in Partnership Award

The Working in Partnership Award is for a team or individual who has worked in partnership with other agencies, staff, patients and the public to develop or improve services, education and training or facilities.

The finalists were:

• Integrated Senior Support Worker and Duty Co-ordinator Team
• Joint Community Rehabilitation Team – High Weald, Lewes and Havens
• Recruitment Team
• Rehabilitation, Recovery and Restoration Forum

And the winner was… the Joint Community Rehabilitation Team – High Weald, Lewes and Havens! Well done team.

The Joint Community Rehabilitation Team for High Weald, Lewes and Havens’ nomination read:

“The Joint Community Rehabilitation Team has supported students to create a tool to help identify those most at risk from multi-presentational disability rehabilitation, and have been able to see the direct clinical impact of their work. The mixed methods’ approach enabled the students to share learning through the project with individuals, teams and at system level, drawing on feedback, reflection and quantitative data.”

Inclusion and Diversity Award

A second new category for this year, the Inclusion and Diversity Award recognises those who work to embed diversity and inclusion by improving access, experience and outcomes. They act on equality, improve health inequalities, drive positive change for our colleagues, patients and service users and make the NHS a model, open and transparent employer to better serve the public.

The finalists were:

• Community Paediatrics Team
• Tahmid Islam, NHS Graduate Management Trainee
• The Network Chairs
• Antony Sugden, Medical Recruitment Assistant

And the winners were… the Network Chairs! Well done, chairs.

The nomination for the Network Chairs read:

“All the network chairs carry out their roles in addition to their substantive role. They go above and beyond to ensure events take place, to raise awareness or celebrate, to ensure there is a presence at local events and individual colleagues are supported. All while supporting the trust in becoming a more inclusive environment.”

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award goes to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills; someone who has inspired and motivated colleagues.

The finalists were:

• Natasha Chappell, Urgent Community Response Team Lead
• Anita Smith, Consultant and Professional Lead for the Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team
• Lorraine Manklow, Head Orthoptist
• Justin Harris, Consultant Interventional Radiologist

And the winner is… Anita Smith! Well done, Anita.

Anita’s nomination read:

“Anita has led the speech and language therapy team for 20 years, showing herself to be an exceptional leader who is truly valued and respected. Anita rejuvenated the service and has built it into a thriving, progressive service, at the forefront of many new initiatives. She leads by example, tackling complex situations and decisions and supporting staff in a hands-on way.”

Personal Development Award

The Personal Development Award is for an individual who shows a commitment to improving and developing, either by learning on the job or by attaining a formal qualification, and through this has made a difference to patient services or other colleagues in the trust.

The finalists were:

• Gemma Baldock-Apps, Cardiovascular Data and Audit Manager
• Cheryl Fletcher, Clinical Lead for Bexhill Community Nursing
• Charlotte Bright, Specialist Adult Safeguarding Nurse
• Heidi King, Junior Service Manager for General Surgery

And the winner was… Cheryl Fletcher! Well done, Cheryl.

Cheryl’s nomination read:

“Cheryl has demonstrated excellent personal development and leadership over the last couple of years. Cheryl completed her Specialist Practice (District Nurse) training in September 2022 and has since embedded her learning and been a valuable asset to the district nursing team in Bexhill, supporting three senior staff nurses, who are all new to role, teaching them by example.”

Quality Improvement Award

The Quality Improvement Award is for a team or individual who has improved a process or system for the benefit of the people who use their services.

The finalists were:

• Rowena O’Neill, Student District Nurse
• The Petals Team
• Mohamed Swamad, Urology Core Trainee
• Community Speech and Language Therapy team

And the winner was… the Petals Team! Well done team.

The Petals Team nomination read:

“Our PETALS project (reducing severe perineal tears) was launched after completing the trust QSIR practitioner training in 2019. The aim was to reduce severe perineal tears by 1% – which equates to over 20 fewer potentially life changing severe perineal tears per year, and the team have achieved this and more since the launch. ”

Outstanding Contribution Award

The Outstanding Contribution Award is for an individual or team who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the trust’s vision; someone who has inspired colleagues and motivated others.

The finalists were:

• Murray Foreman, Carpenter
• Trish Richardson, Project Officer, Rehabilitation Transformation Programme
• John Cooke, Team Lead, Urgent Community Response
• Ella Jackson, Infant Feeding Specialist Midwife

And the winner was… Trish Richardson! Well done, Trish.

Trish’s nomination read:

“Trish has embedded a clear quality improvement (QI) methodology and personally meets with all project teams to support them in describing and articulating their projects. She provides advice and support, and offers gentle encouragement, helping colleagues maintain momentum. She is incredibly flexible and intuitive and is able to nurture colleagues along their QI journey. Her passion is clearly evident. Trish is an inspiration as a colleague and a role model for teams.”

People’s Choice Award

The People’s Choice Award is unique as nominations are from patients and members of the public who would like to show their appreciation of the care and commitment shown to them by our colleagues. The award is for an individual or team who:

• Go out of their way to support patient’s needs.
• Treat patients with dignity and respect to their ethnic or cultural beliefs
• Put patients at the heart of all they do.
• Bring about change and clear benefits for the people who use the service and their carers through their creative thinking, leadership, mentoring, teaching, commitment, vision, determination or drive.
• Demonstrate commitment to patient care.

The finalists were:

• Endoscopy
• Danny Leach, Children’s Health
• Claire Purnell, Hospital Discharge Check Services
• Catherine Perks, Private Patients Finance

And the winner was… Endoscopy! Well done team.

The nomination summary for endoscopy read:

“The team are helpful, friendly, caring and professional. They look after patients and make them feel safe, at ease and informed, normalising a sometimes frightening and intimate investigation and ensuring patients feel like individuals and maintain dignity throughout. Their professionalism and ability to communicate medical complexities is reassuring and welcome.”

Chairman’s Award

The Chairman’s Award is a special award presented to the recipient in recognition of their outstanding service.

The winner of this year’s Chairman’s Award was… the Booking Team! Well done team.

Chairman Steve Phoenix said:

“The winner of this year’s Chairman’s Award was chosen because they represent one of the ‘unsung heroes’ of the NHS. They are the voice, if not the face, of our trust to the public and are very much in the front line, often having to give disappointing or challenging news and reassure anxious patients.”

Long Service Awards

On the night we also presented Long Service Awards to Joanne Penfold, HR ESR Support and Development Manager and eJob Planning Lead, and Ruth Creasy, Critical Care Outreach Sister. To have worked for the NHS for 40 years shows a significant level of dedication to serving our patients and local communities, and we are very grateful to these colleagues for their contribution.