April's Star Award goes to Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead, Gemma Weatherby, for the care and diligence she has shown over a difficult couple of months.

Gemma is the Clinical Lead for the Acute Therapy Team at HRI. Over the last few months, the team has experienced a number of complex patients which have led to further complex discharge journeys for them. Gemma was nominated by Inpatient Therapy Team Leader, Vicky Jackson-Furness, and her nomination reads:

"Gemma has handled each of these complex cases with absolute integrity and has kept the patients in mind throughout the whole decision making process, often when patients couldn't speak for themselves. She has fought for the right outcome and has done so with total professionalism, and just the right amount of assertiveness.

"She has also spent her own time providing an amazing training session for the rest of the Therapy Team, to learn from Datixs involving complex discharges and where things could have been done differently.

"I know for a fact that if my grandma or grandad were patients at HRI, I would want her to be their physio. I know 100% that she would fight for what is right and never take the easy way out. I feel very proud to work with Gemma and proud to call her a friend too."

After receiving her Star Award, Gemma said: "It was a wonderful surprise to be nominated for a Star Award and it is lovely for the commitment shown to our patients to be recognised. Within the Acute Therapy Team, we always strive to advocate for patients, particularly those that are unable to advocate for themselves. At times it can be challenging but it is always worth it when the right outcomes are achieved."