Healthcare Oscars go to unsung hospital heroes (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford foundation trust honours staff who go the extra mile for patients

9:00am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News By Claire Lomax

Three unsung heroes of healthcare were honoured in the Bradford Teaching Hospitals Oscars last night.

The annual event, which is part of the Foundation Trust’s week of events, honours the hard work and dedication of staff who go the extra mile.

This year’s Oscar winners were theatre nurse Carol Metcalfe who works in the ear, nose and throat theatres at Bradford Royal Infirmary , Amanda Meehan, a medical secretary in the Children’s Development Centre at St Luke’s Hospital and Karen Moreland, cleaning services assistant at Pennine Breast Imaging Services, St Luke’s Hospital.

The trio were nominated by colleagues for their outstanding contributions to patient care and all were presented with a cheque for £1,000, thanks to sponsors Sovereign Health Care, along with a certificate and an Oscar.

Carol, who has worked in the ENT theatres at BRI for 33 years was nominated by sister Leigh Stacey, with the support of the consultants David Strachan and Sanjai Sood.

Leigh said: “Surgeons sigh with relief if they know Carol is their scrub nurse. She has a peculiar knack of knowing what they need, usually before they do or before they have asked for it. Her commitment to patient care is always paramount.

“Carol is also the first to volunteer to work over, change shifts, and do extra on-calls when we need extra staff.”

Amanda, who works as a medical secretary at St Luke’s Child Development Centre was nominated by consultant clinical psychologist, Rosey Ferris, who said: “She is highly regarded by her colleagues and is who other secretaries turn to for help and support. This is always delivered with good cheer, confidence and commitment.

“Amanda is always willing to welcome and help patients even if they are not her responsibility. Our patients often say that contacting the service is efficient and a real pleasure. Other professionals frequently comment on the excellent reception they receive when they call.”

Breast Imaging Services co-ordinator, Janette Griggs, nominated cleaning services assistant, Karen Moreland, for her tireless efforts in keeping the unit clean.

Janette said: “She makes sure the unit is kept spotless and the unit achieves high percentage scores at spot checks carried out by management to ensure that our standards remain high. Karen always goes the extra mile to make sure the unit is cleaned to a high standard.

“She never complains about extra jobs and always does things to the very best of her ability. Karen takes great pride in her work and goes to great lengths to make sure everything is spic and span.”

The awards were presented by Foundation Trust chairman, David Richardson, and chief executive of Sovereign Health Care, Russ Piper.

Mr Richardson said: “It is heartening to hear year after year the excellent examples of the skilled and dedicated staff we have here in Bradford’s hospitals whose hard work allows us to deliver such a high standard of care.

“These three members of staff are worthy winners of our hospital Oscars and I congratulate them all for their dedication to the NHS and the patients of Bradford and beyond.”

Mr Piper added: “Once again it is a delight to be involved in acknowledging the efforts that go on behind the scenes at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“On behalf of the trustees of our charitable trust and all the staff at Sovereign Health Care congratulations to all the nominees and Oscar recipients.”

The winners were chosen from six nominations and all three remaining nominees, described by Foundation Trust chief executive, Bryan Millar, as “shining examples” were given a certificate.

Accolade recognises teams’ quality care work provision

A team which is transforming the quality of care for stroke patients in Bradford has been crowned hospital team of the year.
The acute stroke and neurology (ASN) team, made up of 50 members, won first prize in the annual competition sponsored by Sovereign Health Care. With prize money of £10,000 on offer it aims to bring to the fore excellent work in Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The ASN team demonstrated improvement to the quality of patient care, showed they have responded to the changing face of the NHS, contributed to service provision and  great teamwork. The team plans to use the £5,000 first prize money to buy a special wheelchair for patients with poor balance.
Second place and £3,000 was awarded to the palliative care team which has eight members and works to provide high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to all patients. They will use their prize money to buy items such as pillows and blankets to improve carers’ experience.
Third place and £2,000 was awarded to the midwife neonatal examiners who are taking on the role of the paediatrician to undertake the first examination of the newborn.