Chemotherapy team leads the way in Best of Health award winners
The care provided by the Chemotherapy team at Glangwili Hospital is just one of the Carmarthenshire winners at Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Best of Health awards.
Nominated by patient Mr Eirian James the team was praised for recognising and respecting his individuality and this, along with all other aspects of his care, resulted in a positive patient experience that he wants to share with others.
Mr James said: “Every time I entered the unit or made telephone contact I was met with the same smile or the evident caring attitude that was prevalent across the entire unit. I felt that somebody actually cared about me and my condition and that this was as an individual and not just another person coming through an increasing conveyor belt system.”
The Unit won the Improving the Patient Experience, including Safety, Dignity and Respect and the Chief Executives award for overall winner.
Another Carmarthenshire based winner was Fiona Daniels, Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, Carmarthenshire who won the Unsung Hero category.
Fiona has immersed herself into the unique, highly complex role as Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, the first of its kind in the UK.
Melissa Birchall, Macmillan Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist who nominated Fiona said: “She deals with anxious, distressed patients and relatives with patience, empathy, clarity and sensitivity. She also liaises with a very wide range of health professionals with kindness, reliability and expertise.
“Fiona has been instrumental in setting up a support group in Carmarthenshire for patients and their families who have had surgery for lung cancer, which is very successful.”
Susan Morris, General Manager for Macmillan in Wales, said: “Macmillan would like to say congratulations to Fiona for winning Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Unsung Hero award.
“Through her role as a Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, Fiona supports the Clinical Nurse Specialists and also gives lung cancer patients and their loved ones the help and information they need.
“She is one of more than 270 Macmillan professionals working across Wales and we can only fund roles such as Fiona’s thanks to the public’s generosity.”
Other county /university health board wide winners are:
Providing Bilingual Healthcare: Project Enfys, Carmarthenshire
Project Enfys works to address emotional wellbeing issues for children aged between 4 and 7 through the medium of Welsh. The programme focuses on social and communication skills, self esteem, the importance of kindness, team building and working together, learning to share, dealing with conflict, bullies and celebrating difference. Parent feedback has indicated an increase in their children’s confidence, empathy and desired behaviour.
Improving Health and Well-being: Measles Outbreak 2013 Response Team
The measles outbreak response team have been shortlisted for their dedication in dealing with the control and prevention of the spread of measles during the outbreak in spring 2013. Representatives from the school nursing service, primary care, the communication and vaccination teams joined together to support the endeavour with a clear ‘can do’ attitude, with the focus always on the needs of our local community.
Outstanding Leader: Elaine Lorton, Head of Primary Care & Dental Services
Elaine was nominated for the impact she has made since becoming Head of Primary Care and Dental Services 18 months ago. Described as the “driving force within primary care that inspires everyone to give their best” she boosted team morale by sharing her vision for the service provided and inspiring colleagues to be proactive within their roles. She recognises potential in others and has gained the respect of her team.
Making a Difference through Better Use of Resources: Children’s Audiology Service
The Children’s Audiology Service has demonstrated a sustained, cooperative and focused approach to service improvement for patients whilst being mindful of the need to conserve resources. Following redesign, the service now works collaboratively across the University Health Board and has embraced new ways of working to achieve quality, equality and efficiency.
Joint Working with the Third Sector and Partner Organisations: Domestic Abuse Forum
The Domestic Abuse Forum has been shortlisted in recognition of its efforts to raise awareness of domestic abuse with Health Board staff. It provides support to staff who may be affected by domestic abuse, equips staff to support patients and families and helps to increase knowledge and skills of staff. The forum works with partner agencies through Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, with staff, volunteers, patients and families.
The major sponsor of this year’s awards were Health Shield Friendly Society Limited and it is thanks to them and the other sponsors that the University Health Board was able to host this celebratory event for staff.
Health Shield Chief Executive Jonathan Burton: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award, and to all those who won. It is such an achievement for you all to have been recognised and a testament to the work you do.
“From me and everyone at Health Shield, we hope you all enjoyed the evening, and wish you all the very best for the future.”
Chairman Chris Martin said: "All our staff are our greatest asset and these awards recognise just a few of them and their contribution to delivering better healthcare services for our patients."
Unsung Hero award presented to Fiona Daniels Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer.
Chemotherapy Team from Glangwili Hospital receiving CEO's award for overall best entry
Nominated by patient Mr Eirian James the team was praised for recognising and respecting his individuality and this, along with all other aspects of his care, resulted in a positive patient experience that he wants to share with others.
Mr James said: “Every time I entered the unit or made telephone contact I was met with the same smile or the evident caring attitude that was prevalent across the entire unit. I felt that somebody actually cared about me and my condition and that this was as an individual and not just another person coming through an increasing conveyor belt system.”
The Unit won the Improving the Patient Experience, including Safety, Dignity and Respect and the Chief Executives award for overall winner.
Another Carmarthenshire based winner was Fiona Daniels, Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, Carmarthenshire who won the Unsung Hero category.
Fiona has immersed herself into the unique, highly complex role as Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, the first of its kind in the UK.
Melissa Birchall, Macmillan Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist who nominated Fiona said: “She deals with anxious, distressed patients and relatives with patience, empathy, clarity and sensitivity. She also liaises with a very wide range of health professionals with kindness, reliability and expertise.
“Fiona has been instrumental in setting up a support group in Carmarthenshire for patients and their families who have had surgery for lung cancer, which is very successful.”
Susan Morris, General Manager for Macmillan in Wales, said: “Macmillan would like to say congratulations to Fiona for winning Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Unsung Hero award.
“Through her role as a Macmillan Lung Cancer Support Officer, Fiona supports the Clinical Nurse Specialists and also gives lung cancer patients and their loved ones the help and information they need.
“She is one of more than 270 Macmillan professionals working across Wales and we can only fund roles such as Fiona’s thanks to the public’s generosity.”
Other county /university health board wide winners are:
Providing Bilingual Healthcare: Project Enfys, Carmarthenshire
Project Enfys works to address emotional wellbeing issues for children aged between 4 and 7 through the medium of Welsh. The programme focuses on social and communication skills, self esteem, the importance of kindness, team building and working together, learning to share, dealing with conflict, bullies and celebrating difference. Parent feedback has indicated an increase in their children’s confidence, empathy and desired behaviour.
Improving Health and Well-being: Measles Outbreak 2013 Response Team
The measles outbreak response team have been shortlisted for their dedication in dealing with the control and prevention of the spread of measles during the outbreak in spring 2013. Representatives from the school nursing service, primary care, the communication and vaccination teams joined together to support the endeavour with a clear ‘can do’ attitude, with the focus always on the needs of our local community.
Outstanding Leader: Elaine Lorton, Head of Primary Care & Dental Services
Elaine was nominated for the impact she has made since becoming Head of Primary Care and Dental Services 18 months ago. Described as the “driving force within primary care that inspires everyone to give their best” she boosted team morale by sharing her vision for the service provided and inspiring colleagues to be proactive within their roles. She recognises potential in others and has gained the respect of her team.
Making a Difference through Better Use of Resources: Children’s Audiology Service
The Children’s Audiology Service has demonstrated a sustained, cooperative and focused approach to service improvement for patients whilst being mindful of the need to conserve resources. Following redesign, the service now works collaboratively across the University Health Board and has embraced new ways of working to achieve quality, equality and efficiency.
Joint Working with the Third Sector and Partner Organisations: Domestic Abuse Forum
The Domestic Abuse Forum has been shortlisted in recognition of its efforts to raise awareness of domestic abuse with Health Board staff. It provides support to staff who may be affected by domestic abuse, equips staff to support patients and families and helps to increase knowledge and skills of staff. The forum works with partner agencies through Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, with staff, volunteers, patients and families.
The major sponsor of this year’s awards were Health Shield Friendly Society Limited and it is thanks to them and the other sponsors that the University Health Board was able to host this celebratory event for staff.
Health Shield Chief Executive Jonathan Burton: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated for an award, and to all those who won. It is such an achievement for you all to have been recognised and a testament to the work you do.
“From me and everyone at Health Shield, we hope you all enjoyed the evening, and wish you all the very best for the future.”
Chairman Chris Martin said: "All our staff are our greatest asset and these awards recognise just a few of them and their contribution to delivering better healthcare services for our patients."
Comments