Speech and Language Therapy Assistant, Jo Smith-Scadden, was presented with her CHuFT Star Award for spearheading the Keep Carers Caring Campaign at our Trust - and recruited an extra supporter at the same time.
The Keep Carers Caring campaign adopts the principles of John’s Campaign and expands the criteria to people admitted into hospital who have a physical disability, cognitive impairment, long term condition, learning disability, mental health issue or people who are frail.
She received her certificate and then immediately signed up our CEO Brendan Brown to make his pledge. Brendan happily signed up, saying: “Congratulations and thank you very much for everything you’ve done amongst everything else. You’ve led the start of the Keep Carers Caring movement in the Trust and we are incredibly grateful and proud of you Jo.”
Jo said she was grateful for the nomination and support from the teams which have been active in the campaign to Keep Carers Caring – and equally pleased that Brendan signed up on the spot!
Health Care Assistant, Ophthalmology Outpatients, Beverly Smith nominated Jo. She wrote: “This person has been through a lot in the past year with her mum being diagnosed with dementia, falling and then sadly passing away in a care home. She found out about John’s Campaign and brought it to our Trust and it’s thriving with so many carers signed up. It’s right across the Trust and this is all down to Jo. She has carried on despite the grief following the loss of her dear mum so others can benefit. She really is a superwoman. Doing all this in her own time.”
Workforce’s Sarah Turner, on the judging panel, said: “It was a tough decision as there were some amazing nominations, but the panel commented on the legacy and impact that this campaign will have for our patients and their families.
You can nominate your own CHuFT Star Award winner using this nomination form link: https://www.cht.nhs.uk/working-for-us/CHuFT star-award
And if you want to know more about the Keep Carers Caring campaign see the intranet page.