Thame hospital’s superstars are the ‘Patients’ Choice

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Healthcare NHS Trust staff celebrated local healthcare superstars at the annual staff awards on Friday, November 10, and Thame won a top award.

In a ceremony, held at the Gateway in Aylesbury, individuals and teams were recognised for going above and beyond in delivering safe and compassionate care for patients both in hospitals and in community settings.

Michael Smith with Healthcare team at Thame Community Hospital

Staff at Thame Day Hospital were the winners of the Patients’ Choice Award. They were nominated by Michael Smith, one of their service users. Mr Smith explained in his nomination that after his wife died, his health deteriorated and he was referred by his GP to Thame Day Hospital and this caring and compassionate group of staff helped him get his life back on track.

He added: “They are brilliant; always professional and respectful. In my assessment they asked me what my problems and concerns were, they listened and wanted to know me, my life, not my illness.

“This team encouraged me to learn best how to help myself and supported me to do this, always with a smile and a positive attitude. They looked at what I could do so I didn’t feel useless and they built on that. They always made time and seemed happy all the time. They are still my sunshine on dark days although I don’t have too many of those thanks to them.”

From his life in the navy Michael said he knew real teamwork when he saw it, and this group of staff have it at all levels throughout – he calls them his A team. There was a standing ovation in the room after everyone heard Michael’s very moving story.

Neil Dardis, chief executive, said: “The annual awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the amazing team we have working at the Trust. It is a night for everyone to feel proud and celebrate success.”

The other winners on the night were:

Dr Nawal Bbahal received the Care award for Collaboration. Dr Nawal is the Trust’s guardian of safe working hours for junior doctors, a new role established in 2016. His collaborative working ensures positive outcomes for all concerned!

Bereavement midwife Jennifer Higgs won the Care award for Aspire. “Her commitment goes above and beyond what is expected working flexibly to support women and families who have suffered bereavement. ”

Dee Irvin picked up the Care award for Respect.” Dee is a shining example of the high standards of respect we hope our staff demonstrates to patients and each other at all times.”

Janie King is won the Care award for Enable. “Janie has revolutionised the doctors’ rota by her effective style of management which involves an open door policy, a friendly greeting to anyone who comes to see her, however difficult the problem.”

“Our amazing in-reach palliative care team were the very deserving winner of the Partnership Working Award. The service, set up in collaboration with Macmillan, supports people admitted to hospital with life limiting illness.”

Julia Phillips, clinical nurse lead for sepsis and outreach sister was the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award. “Julia’s commitment, professionalism and sheer tenacity were recognised by the judges.”

The medical staffing team won the Support Services Ambassador Award. “The team’s smooth implementation of the new junior doctor contract and the flexible approach they take helped them win this award.”

Elaine Trump was the very worthy winner of our Volunteer of the Year Award. “Elaine gave up two days to star in films for endoscopy about having a gastroscopy & colonoscopy. By sharing her experiences she’s helped reduce anxiety others may feel.”
The Radiology PACS/IT team were named as Healthcare Team of the Year. “This small team are responsible for the running of all of radiology IT across the Trust. Their strap line is: ‘always a pleasure, never a chore’.

Ramesh Chennagiri won the CEO Award for Leadership. “Ramesh has been a strong voice for change and his passion and energy for service improvement has engaged his colleagues and team.”

Mr Bruce James won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bruce was appointed in 1995 & established the Trust’s first specialist glaucoma service. “He has a passion for training, mentoring many young surgeons who’ve since become consultants in this unit and elsewhere.”