Celebrating our December 2023 NBT Hero Award winners
Every year we recognise and celebrate individuals and teams across our Trust who have been nominated by their colleagues for making a real difference to others.
The 21 winners were nominated by their colleagues or on behalf of patients who shared the difference the member of staff had made to them. It's often something that our Heroes may not even recognise they do, but it means a great deal to someone else.
The winners were invited for coffee and cake, where they got a chance to meet their fellow heroes, find out why they were nominated and take the time to celebrate each other.
At the awards, Glyn Howells, Chief Finance Officer, shared just how important it is to have these awards and gave a heartfelt thank you to all of this month's winners.
Find out why our Heroes were nominated below:
Lucy Colquhoun, Sister
Nominated by Lauren Weetch, Senior Sister
On Gate 32B we are proud to support high numbers of Internationally Educated Nurses. During their time with us, Lucy noticed a gap in knowledge regarding the content of their OSCE exams, the pressures they faced and how daunting it must feel to be doing this in a different country – especially those who came to England without their families. Lucy showed enthusiasm and compassion by nominating herself to be the first IEN link nurse on SAU. She attended webinars (from NBT and the RCN) to learn more about the OSCE programme, the relocation process and what financial and wellbeing support IENs could access. Lucy used the RCN webinar to link in with other Trust's to see what resources and support they found beneficial and has fed this back to the team on SAU. Lucy took on a pastoral role carrying out regular 1:1's, appraisals, and wellbeing check-ins with the IENs which they speak very highly about. I truly feel Lucy has made an invaluable contribution to the wellbeing of our IEN's and has contributed to the retention of these staff.
Amanda McAusland, Registered Nurse
Nominated by Vicky Kimber, Nursing Associate
Amanda brought a patient up to medirooms on 7th September from the plastics dressing clinic, who required emergency surgery. Amanda was professional and calm, and had looked after the patient with the upmost care and compassion that I would expect, and I could tell the patient felt at ease with her.. She had ensured the patient was ready for theatre, and had ensured everything had been completed that needed to be done for the patient prior to bringing the patient up to us. Amanda also kept the patient's husband informed, and ensured he was looked after while his wife was being taken care of. She also brought him up to us near the end of her shift. She came and checked in to see how the patient was doing post operatively and was very reassuring and kind. I think Amanda deserves to be recognised for her absolute professionalism, kindness and compassion in looking after this patient.
Joanne Williamson, Senior IDS Co-ordinator
Nominated by Rachel Lennon, Discharge Case ManagerIn the week commencing 28th August the early intervention team was significantly understaffed (usually 7 staff, but only 2 this week!). The caseload for this week was extremely high and Jo was working with just 1 case manager. Due to the high level of need in ED, the Case Manager was largely based in this clinical area, resulting in Jo being the main point of contact for the whole of AMU. She had to manage all referrals coming into the team from AMU & 32A/B and stepped up exceptionally to demonstrate behaviours and responsibilities well beyond her role. In addition to this Jo was also mentoring a new starter. I would like to nominate her for her positive and professional attitude during a stressful time.
Bill Thomas, Senior Secretary
Nominated by Nicola Bliss, Receptionist
I would love to nominate Bill, he's the face of our department. So supportive to everyone. Always willing to help. He's had to cover many different roles over the summer within the department and never complains. Sometimes it means he can’t get on with his own job. While a colleague was off for 3 months, he didn't book any leave so he could keep the service going. I think this needs to be acknowledged.
Louise Milling, Quality Governance Project Manager
Nominated by Alan Howe, Nursing Quality Lead
I am more than happy to be nominating Louise and Jenny as NBT heroes. they have worked tirelessly on help the trust (and me) become ready for the launch of the RADAR - Audits programme. Their determination to provide the best system possible has been shown many times and despite changes, update requirements and working with less IT savvy individuals they have always taken these challenges in their stride and delivered on them with a smile they have certainly made my contribution to the project easier and have always been there to answer my silly questions, never getting frustrated. I just want to say thank you to them both for their help, patience, support and guidance during this last year and within this programme.
Mark Sims, Systems Lead – Financial Sustainability
Nominated by Sara Stiddard, Assistant Director of Financial Sustainability
Mark has been outstanding at designing and creating a new system to help the organisation track Financial Sustainability schemes. He has gone above and beyond to train himself on how to utilise PowerApps and has been able to reduce the amount of time required to authorise EQIA's, which in turn has made its own efficiency saving to people's time. He is constantly looking for ways to make other staff lives easier by providing training, support, or general improvement insight, for all of this and more..... THANK YOU MARK!
Jonathan Miller, Support Manager
Nominated by Lorraine Lewis, General Manager
As a result of a Health and Safety directive, all desks in Centralised Outpatient Services in Concorde House (on the Southmead Hospital retained estate) had to be replaced. Lauren Cox and Jonathan Miller put in place plans, including the home working of over 40 staff over two working days, and ensuring laptops had been updated and assigned and that belongings had been removed. There were further problems when the manufacturers of the new desks were delayed, which meant the office would not have been ready for occupancy on the scheduled working day. Lauren and Jon therefore came into work over the August Bank Holiday weekend to ensure the office would be functioning when staff returned. They went over and above what was expected of their roles and their time, and ensured a seamless service resumed in Centralised Outpatient Services.
Jordan Hignell, Senior Sister
Nominated by Mike Puckey, Divisional Director of Nursing
Jordan is an exceptional leader who within her first 18 months in post has steered her team through some of the most challenging and distressing times. The increasingly strong position the ward team is now in is a testament to her dedication, strength, and leadership. Jordan took the reins of the ward shortly after the tragic deterioration of a young patient. This case has made national news and is still at the forefront of how we shape practice in the Trust. In the time since, Jordan has ensured her team are at the forefront of supporting work around the deteriorating patient whilst embedding supportive, compassionate leadership and just culture. Likewise, she has been central to driving the learning from this case and attended the coroner’s inquest. Equally, within this time, the impact of the NHS recruitment crisis has been most evident with, at one point, only 5 band 5 staff on the ward! Jordan has worked tirelessly with her team to restore the team to full establishment through her values and the culture they bring. Jordan is, without a doubt, an NBT hero!
Natalie Wood, Matron
Nominated by Mike Puckey, Division Director of Nursing
Nat is both an NBT hero and a rising star within the organisation. Nat provides consistently strong, empathetic leadership. Most recently, she has led her team through the inquest for an exceptionally distressing case, ensuring that both learning is embedded equally, and that staff are supported and nurtured. Likewise, Nat attended the coroner’s inquest for this case, bringing insight and compassion. Throughout this, Nat has been and continues to be, an outstanding support for her ward manager and a visible, approachable leader for the wider team. As with most Matrons, Nat has a large, complex workload and continues to be a key member of the senior NMSK nursing team. This does not stop her from being innovative and pushing the boundaries of what is possible to improve the care our patients receive and she is proactive in driving quality improvement across all her areas. Nat and people like her, are absolutely the future of this organisation and with their values and leadership, I have no doubt we are in good hands.
Helen Parker, Administrative Support to Colorectal and Upper GI Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nominated by Clodagh Hershbein, UGI CNS
Helen is a very highly valued member of our cancer nurse team. She works incredibly hard and always goes the extra mile for patients and also in her supportive role for us nurses. She is highly efficient and always has a smile for everyone. She is passionate about great patient care and will always go above and beyond in helping not only us but also the Consultants. She uses her initiative when dealing with complex situations. Upper GI can be a high pressure environment but Helen takes it all in her stride. Our team would be lost without her! She truly deserves recognition for all that she does and we really appreciate all she does for us.
Victoria Garner, Research Nurse
Nominated by Helen Lewis-White, Deputy Director of Research
Rather than use my own words this is a quote from an email a patient took the time to send to us: I am writing to commend the Urology research staff, Carolyn and Vicky. I have recently been a participant on the Coloplast ISC trial. Throughout the trial both Vicky and Carolyn have ensured that I have sufficient knowledge regarding the research programme, including the aims, the products, results and the proposers of this trial to make informed consent decisions at each stage. They have clarified and answered any queries I have had, taken note of any concerns and ensured that my privacy and dignity has been maintained at every step. Furthermore I'd like to comment on their communication and interpersonal skills. I suffer from severe anxiety and, both these lovely ladies, have gone beyond my expectations in setting me at my ease and relaxing and reassuring me at each and every appointment, including the initial telephone consultation. Would you please pass my thanks to them and commend their professionalism. It is due, in no small part, that their actions have given me confidence in taking part in any future research projects that may come my way. I am extremely proud of how Vicky and Caroline have clearly demonstrated our values so beautifully.
Darren Tucker, Healthcare Assistant
Nominated by Kate Mann, Ward Manager
I have worked with Darren for many years and he is a pleasure to work with. Darren is hard working and conscientious, he helps others and always puts patients first. Darren recognises the pressure on other clinical teams within the medicine division so is often happy to help out in other areas if needed. He never stops from the moment he starts his shift to when he leaves. He has a great insight in to the importance of safe care, will let the senior nursing team know if he thinks a patient is a falls risk and always ensure pressure relieving equipment is correct for his patients. He always asks me how I am when he is on shift and makes sure that he supports me if needed, he really is an asset to the 8a team, willing to help with any task and enables patients to be safe and well cared for. Thank you Darren.
Gina Mitchell, Healthcare Assistant
Nominated by Kate Mann, Ward Manager
Gina is a HCA with so many hats - she helps with all of our POCT training, supports new starters and more recently donned her receptionist hat to cover whilst we await our new receptionist to start. She really is someone who will help in any area needed and is always enthusiastic and willing to learn, she has recently had to reduce her hours as she is also a carer outside of work which has brought many pressures yet she remains positive and motivated in work. She is another asset to the 8a team that needs recognition for all of the hard work she puts in, she is caring and competent, liaises well with all of the members of the MDT and is engaging and friendly. She needs recognition in all the caring she does both in and out of work which she does with dedication and commitment. Thank you Gina for everything you do - a real NBT hero.
Ioannis Karagiannidis, Healthcare Assistant
Nominated by Janette Broady O'Neill, Matron
Ioannis is a dementia champion. He has embraced this role with enthusiasm and commitment. He was observed by the dementia team on the ward whilst caring for a patient and demonstrated exemplary caring and kindness. He employed skills and competence that impacted the patient's experience and the observer. We have particularly singled out this observation as a holistic approach to providing care for a patient who was not able to articulate his own needs. Ioannis was able to recognize and validate that the patient who had dementia was in pain. The patient had agitated and distressed behaviours, Ioannis created the time to try and identify how the patient was feeling to be able to establish the cause of these behaviours. This took time and skill to interpret and to take action on behalf of such a vulnerable patient. It is an excellent endorsement of the caring and communication skills required in this situation. The assessment was person centered fully supporting the trust values for delivering care in our hospital environment. The patients behaviours were challenging for the team however Ioannis identified the contributory factor for this as pain. Through his escalation to the nurse who was allocated to work with the patient he was observed to be truly advocating for the patient. He ensured the nurse listened to his observation. The patient had required a high level of enhanced care, however identifying the underlying problem led to careful monitoring, a plan of care to monitor and manage the patients pain that directly led to a reduction in his distressed behaviours. The level of enhanced care was also reduced. This is an excellent example of care that will be used for training for others. Ioannis' actions and communication as a role model we feel should be celebrated for the impact on the patient, and team on 9b. We would like to acknowledge this intervention by our colleague for the dedication, and compassion he showed and the real difference this has made.
Pui Kin, Logistics Operative
Nominated by Kora Jones, Team Leader
I would like to nominate Pui Kin as he is incredibly hardworking, he has great work ethic and is always looking for ways to help and get the job done! and there's a lot of work to be done here in our department. He goes above and beyond and is always willing to learn as much as possible, asking questions, getting involved with queries every time. I am very impressed with his efforts and is a true hero when we are struggling with staff shortages and busy episodes. Thank you Pui Kin!!
Pip Croxford, Data Analyst
Nominated by Mooi Heong Tay, Transfusion Practitioner
We know that we collect various data. If we can get our hands on the appropriate data that we need, we will be able to understand where we were, where we are currently and where we wish to be better. This is when Pip comes in. Pip can access a lot of data and she can extract the useful data that we need and send us an automated report on a regular basis. What Pip can do with our data collection has transformed the way we work with data and the way we present our reports. She is amazing with the spreadsheet and the graphs. Pip is always accommodating and patient with our endless demands. She is a very valuable member of the team, our HERO and deserves acknowledgment. Thank you, Pip!
Jo McCready, Project Manager
Nominated by Kathryn Kaboutian, ADI - IT
Jo is an integral part of the IMT programs team. As a senior project manager, Jo has been instrumental in leading the team to deliver an extremely challenging project - a single digital maternity system to our W&CH services across both NBT and UHBW. Jo consistently displays the NBT values CARES: In what has been a very challenging and difficult project to deliver Jo has promoted and embraced challenges as an opportunity to learn rather than a threat and has fostered a culture of constructive feedback, creating a safe and supportive environment for the whole project team. Jo has been instrumental in celebrating success and consistently acknowledges the team's efforts, achievements, and learnings which has boosted morale, motivation, and confidence in the team. Jo is also part of the HELM course and it is evident in the way in which Jo works that she models the behaviour you would want to see to create a safe and supportive environment. Jo completely underestimates her ability and her capability and I would really like her to be successful in this nomination so she can see how appreciated and valued she is.
Divya Thomas, Digital Nurse Fellow
Nominated by Rebecca Saunders, Lead Digital Specialist Nurse
Divya works clinically one day a week and as a digital nurse fellow for 2 days week. As part of this role, she supports half of the medicine wards with using our digital clinical systems and adoption. However, she also goes above and beyond her role - she supports our local and IEN inductions, recently trained our learning and research staff to use iPads so they can implement that into their clinical skills training and generally goes above and beyond, for example supporting other areas outside of her remit if required. She also is a constant support to me, frequently picking up extra work to allow me to focus on other things, and will frequently 'pop-in' for a couple of hours on her day off to support our staff (IEN inductions for example). She is a kind, honest and supportive individual who deserves some recognition for how hard she works, as she would never dream of making a fuss herself.
Yasmin Huggins, Digital Midwife
Nominated by Joanna McCready, Senior Project Manager
Yaz is one of the Digital Midwives on the Digital Maternity Programme, which involved the implementation of BadgerNet Maternity at NBT and UHBW. During the life-cycle of the Programme Yaz has consistently gone above and beyond her normal and expected duties to ensure the BadgerNet Maternity implementation was a success. From conception to Go-Live, Yaz has driven the required project activity alongside an investment in engagement with the WACH Division. Yaz was involved in meeting with all WACH stakeholders to document current state processes, reviewing the BadgerNet Maternity system and understanding future state processes (including identification of gaps). This resulted in XX Process Maps being created and signed-off. As part of this activity Yaz took it upon herself to upskill several other members of the project team in Microsoft Visio and Process Mapping. As we moved passed the Scoping phase of the Digital Maternity Programme, Yaz as expected led the way on configuration of the BadgerNet Maternity system within the Test environment working tirelessly with the other Digital Midwives to make sure the environment was ready to be copied into the Training environment. However, alongside this Yaz also heavily supported with writing of the Testing Scripts, Integration and User Acceptance Testing, writing/sign-off of the Training Scripts, supporting the face-to-face Training of our Community and Onsite Midwives, writing/sign-off of the E-Learning Modules for all other staff cohorts and also writing / sign-off of the How to Guides. Many of these tasks over and above her role as Digital Midwife. As we moved to the latter stages of the Digital Maternity Programme, Yaz was the sole Digital Midwife from NBT due to sickness absence within the team but she did not let this impact the delivery and worked consistently over and above her contracted hours to ensure all of the above was completed and NBT were ready to Go-Live. The BadgerNet Maternity implementation has been a great success at NBT and this is testament to Yaz’s continued hard work.
Richard Ansell, Deputy Service Delivery Manager
Nominated by Gary Millard, Staff & Special Projects Trainer
Richard Ansell is a credit to the overall IT Department. He has provided an extremely professional and courteous service to me, I am so grateful to him. I was struggling to overcome a problem which was threatening to bring our external online training to a stop. This would have meant that many staff would have become non compliant in qualifications for which they require as part of their job roles. From the start Richard was easy to communicate with, he soon understood the gravity of my situation and came up with a solution. When this was agreed by his wider department, Richard personally came to our workplace and made the necessary changes to allow us to deliver high class training to our staff members. He is a credit to the IT department and an example of someone who is living the Trust Values.
Simon Godwin, Advance Clinical Practitioner
Nominated by Carlos Mata Saenz, Trainee ACP
Simon is a highly valued member of our team, both by his colleagues and by the nurses in the wards. He is very approachable and positive, and he always gives his best with every patient, working with great professionalism. Simon values the role he plays in teaching and forming new starters, including sessions within the junior doctors induction program. Recently, when the team has been struggling because of issues with staffing levels, Simon has repeatedly gone far beyond and worked many extra shifts to maintain safe levels, ensuring patients receive the right care.