Colleagues showed 'exemplary kindness' when caring for dying patient
A team who offered "exemplary care and kindness" to a patient and his family during his final days, are the latest to be named Team UHDB in the Making a Difference Awards.
Colleagues on Ward 404 at Royal Derby Hospital were nominated by the family of Noel Bunting who was cared for on the ward between 28 December until 9 January after falling unwell.
Sadly, Noel later passed away as a result of the illness but the compassion and empathy shown by the whole team that cared for him, made a lasting impression on Noel's family who nominated the team for the Team UHDB Making a Difference Award.
In their written nomination, the family of Noel said: "From start to finish the caring, professional and dignified way the team cared for Noel was exemplary, all the nursing staff showed such kindness and were so attentive.
"Unfortunately the short illness was too much to fight off, but the evening we visited and had to be told the bad news was softened by the polite and caring words of all the staff that came into contact with Noel.
"We left upset but in the knowledge that he’d been looked after in such a wonderful manner."
Amanda Rawlings, Chief People Officer, praised the team and thanked them for demonstrating exceptional care to both Noel and his wife who spent hours at his bedside.
Amanda said: "It is so lovely that Noel's family, even while grieving, have taken the time to recognise your efforts.
"They have described the compassionate care displayed to them by all staff from the minute he arrived to when he sadly passed away. They knew that he was in safe hands and were immensely grateful for the care you gave to him but also for how you made them feel.
"It is very touching to read and you truly deserve this award."
Anna Cook, Sister on ward 404, said: "This has been a real boost for the team. We remember Noel and his family and we know how important it is to offer the best care not only to our patients but also their loved ones who are understandably worried and upset.
"Sadly Noel passed away but it is so nice to know that his family will remember how we looked after them all during that difficult and sad time."
Nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference Award
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
There are four monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
- Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
- Team UHDB Award – you can nominate your team or another team
- Excellent Employee Award – you can nominate your colleagues
You can send a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net.