During two separate periods of exceptional operational challenge, colleagues across pathology and estates demonstrated outstanding teamwork, dedication and commitment to patient care, going above and beyond to support services and colleagues when they were needed most.
Hero of the Month: Pathology, Conquest Hospital
In June, our pathology service suffered the loss of both its main and back-up servers, bringing all electronic processing of laboratory samples to an immediate halt. Through the night and over the days that followed, members of the pathology team across both Conquest and Eastbourne DGH responded with remarkable professionalism and resilience. While digital colleagues worked to restore the systems, the wider pathology team rapidly introduced and maintained manual processes to ensure patient samples continued to be processed safely.
Over three intense days, colleagues worked long hours, often taking on unfamiliar roles and supporting one another wherever needed. Faced with the challenge of managing many thousands of samples, the team remained focused on patient safety, showing compassion, flexibility and determination throughout. The service was successfully restored within three days, an achievement that reflected a truly united team effort and an unwavering commitment to patients.
Hero of the Month: Pathology, Eastbourne DGH
Just weeks later, during the prolonged July heatwave, Alex Milsom and Tom Barham from Estates Operations at Conquest Hospital played a pivotal role in helping the site manage the challenges presented by sustained high temperatures. Representing estates at daily operational meetings, they worked proactively with clinical and operational teams to identify and resolve issues quickly, helping maintain business continuity and support patient care throughout the period.
Hero of the Month: Alex Milsom and Tom Barham, Estates
Alex and Tom were consistently visible, responsive and reliable, coordinating actions at pace and providing expert advice whenever required. Their collaborative approach and willingness to go the extra mile earned the appreciation of colleagues across the hospital, who knew they could depend on them to respond effectively to emerging pressures.
While these challenges were very different, both examples highlight the very best of our trust. Whether responding to a major IT outage or supporting the organisation through extreme weather conditions, colleagues demonstrated resilience, teamwork, kindness and an unwavering focus on patient care. Their actions embodied the trust’s values and made a significant difference to both patients and colleagues during challenging circumstances.
As we prepare for the additional demands and pressures that winter can bring, the dedication, adaptability and collaborative spirit shown by these teams provide an excellent example of the approach needed to meet those challenges. Their willingness to step up, support colleagues and maintain high-quality patient care in difficult circumstances reflects the strength of the teams at the trust and makes them truly deserving of recognition for their exceptional contribution to the trust.