Throughout October we've been celebrating our HCAs and their contribution to CHFT providing compassionate care for our patients and their families.

Our Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Nurse Ellen Armistead and Lindsay Rudge have been hosting a series of coffee drop-ins for our HCAs. See below for the remaining dates which run up to Christmas.

This week we end the series with a focus on  Ward 5's Julie Simpson and Ward 17's Ward Michaela Hirst.  Sister Aunjum Hussina described Julie as  "A shining star'. Ward 5 couldn't work without her!" Ward Manager Donna Cole described Michaela as "A valued and extremely capable HCA."

We asked Julie (J) and Michaela (M):

How long have you been a HCA? 

J: 2004, 15 years in the Trust. I did a Nutritional Assistant role for three years but went back to being a HCA

M: I've been a HCA just over 7 months and before that I was training as a apprentice HCA for 15 months

What makes a good HCA? 

J: Compassion, dedication, being able to listen, work as a team, all-rounder, go above and beyond the job role

M: Being a team player, using my initiative and also you need to be being compassionate and caring

What's your favourite bit about being a HCA? 

J: The patients' stories as I love hearing them reminisce

M: I find it rewarding. I like to feel I've made a difference to patients' experience . I like a challenge as no day is the same ;)

Here are the next events:

• Friday 8th November, 3:30pm - 4:30pm, CRH Boardroom
• Friday 15th November, 1pm- 2pm, First Floor Acre Mill HRI
• Monday 16th December, 11:30am - 12:30pm, Room 3 Acre Mill HRI
• Monday 23rd December, 1pm - 2pm, Medium Training room CRH

If you wish to come call HRI x 5648 or email: engagementteam@cht.nhs.uk - so they can provide refreshments.