We're celebrating our latest Star Award winners. Congratulations to Macmillan Cancer Care Co-ordinator Annette Wilson, Staff Nurse Maureen Kimutai and Staff Nurse Leah Illingworth.

Annette was nominated by Dietician, Sarah Topen, who wrote:

"Annette is the glue that holds the Head and Neck Team together, and we believe she deserves recognition for her hard work and dedication to the team.

"Beyond her professional role of Cancer Care Co-ordinator, she is such a valuable part of the team. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues and is a key contact for our patients, always offering a listening ear and a reassuring word. Her positive attitude and collaborative spirit have contributed to a strong sense of camaraderie within our department, being the one who remembers the little details like birthdays and special celebrations.

"She is often one of the first in the team to have contact with the patient, talking through those concerns and worries that mean so much to cancer patients, when so much feels out of control. She has gone above and beyond for patients, finding community services for those in need and even visiting a patient at home when we were concerned about their safety.

"Without her tireless work behind the scenes, often not acknowledged, the Head and Neck Team would cease to be able to offer the level of service that we do, and to run as smoothly. I am sure our patients agree, and would support this nomination - she is one in a million"

Our second winner, Maureen, was nominated by Staff Nurse, Zoe Durkin. Her nomination said:

"She is our very own guiding light who oozes kindness. she is so gentle with everyone around her. She supports her patient holistically and wholly.

"Those in her care always comment on how kind and calming she is. She is patient driven, always thinking ahead to see the right path to keep her patient safe and ensure they have everything they need. She goes that extra mile and it's never too much for her.

"We are proud and humbled to call her our own. One culture of care beams from her every action. Every area needs a Maureen."

And last but no means least, Leah was nominated by Student Nurse, Janine Richardson. Janine wrote:

"Leah has made this placement feel like a workplace and has welcomed me immensely. It has been amazing to work with Leah - she has inspired me as student nurse to become a great nurse.

"She has a great sense of humour, shows compassion, kindness and respect to all patients. Leah remains calm and collected in intense situations, including conflict. She is brilliant at getting tasks completed efficiently, effectively always with the patient at the centre of her care. Always ensuring patients are comfortable, respected and listened to. 

"I am a year three student nurse on my second placement and I can say this has been the best experience and has given me an immense boost in confidence. I am a band 4 in primary care and have worked in primary care for 22 years so I have seen many nurses over the years. I can honestly say that Leah will go far in this career and is an excellent ambassador for nursing."

Well done to all of our recent Star Award winners. You can nominate a team or someone for a Star Award through the dedicated Microsoft Form.