Operations Manager, Vicki Dyson is our latest Star Award winner. She was nominated by Deputy Director of Operations, Jason Bushby. Her nomination reads:
"During a particularly demanding period in A&E, three patients in acute mental health crisis were awaiting appropriate inpatient placements. The situation was complex, emotionally intense, and required urgent coordination across services.
"Vicki was responsible for ensuring these vulnerable patients received timely, safe, and compassionate care, despite significant pressures on bed availability and operational resources.
"Vicki went above and beyond her role, staying on site well beyond her working hours to personally oversee the situation. She worked closely with mental health teams, clinical staff, and bed managers to secure placements, advocate for patient needs, and ensure no one was left without support. Her calm leadership and unwavering presence provided reassurance to both staff and patients during a critical time.
"Thanks to Vicki’s dedication, all patients were safely placed in appropriate care settings, avoiding prolonged distress and potential escalation. Her actions directly improved patient outcomes and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to compassionate care and operational excellence.
"Vicki exemplifies the highest standards of leadership, empathy, and professionalism. Her decision to remain at work until every patient was receiving the care they needed speaks volumes about her character and dedication. This award recognises her outstanding contribution and the lasting impact she made during a time of real need."
After being presented with her award by Chief Executive, Rob Aitchison, Vicki said: "I don't feel like I've done anything that I wouldn't do anyway - I feel it's just my job. That's what we're here for."
"I wanted to help the patients and felt I could best achieve this through continuity of care. I knew where I had gotten to with getting the patients the help they needed, and felt a responsibility to see it through."
Jason added: "What's really impressive is that Vicki had only been working as Operations Manager in A&E for two months when this situation occurred. She was pushed out of her comfort zone and rose to meet the challenges she faced."