Sue Eyre recognised for her "consistent commitment" to UGI patient care
Last month Sue Eyre, Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Navigator, was surprised with a Patient Hero Award for her role in supporting the UGI cancer service at University Hospitals Derby and Burton (UHDB) and ensuring that smooth patient journeys are at the heart of everything they do.
Sue, who has been in the role for nearly three of her 23-year career at UHDB, said: "This role is one of the best jobs. Every single day I deal with patients - whether that be over the phone or visiting them on the ward - I find ways to best support their needs."
Working closely with the nursing team to ensure a streamlined and patient-centred care pathway, Sue is dedicated to guiding patients through their cancer journey, helping to coordinate care and address challenges as they arise.
Lou Tristram, Service Lead and UGI Clinical Nurse Specialist, and the one who nominated Sue for the award said: "Sue's work involves ongoing collaboration with us clinical staff as well as the patients. Her focus is always on improving the overall patient experience and she's known for her strong work ethic, reliability, and consistent commitment to the needs of both patients and the wider healthcare team.
"Her contribution is highly valued within the service, and her efforts have a significant positive impact on patient care and team morale."
Sue's aim is to bring more awareness regarding upper gastrointestinal illnesses, such as oesophageal cancer, out into the communities. She said: "I've had the freedom and support to shape this role and what I can offer to those we serve. I have ongoing projects I'm working on for 2025 and 2026 and want to bring awareness about oesophageal cancer to our patients, visitors and colleagues at UHDB so they are better educated and mindful of symptoms and what to look out for, to support early diagnosis."
Rob Hodgkiss, Interim Executive Chief Operating Officer at UHDB, presented Sue with the award and said: "It is clear Sue's unwavering dedication as an Upper Gastrointestinal Navigator has profoundly impacted the lives of patients and colleagues.
"Through her compassionate guidance and advocacy, she raises critical awareness around upper GI issues. Sue's work exemplifies the very best of patient-centred care here at UHDB."
Would you like to 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.
Our Monthly Making a Difference Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional care and who have delivered improvements across safety, quality, effectiveness and patient experience and demonstrated the Trust values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence.
There are three monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
- Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
- Excellence Award - you can nominate colleagues and teams
You can nominate in two ways:
- By completing this new e-form which will be sent directly to our awards team >
- By sending 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