News

News

Our volunteers and staff have dedicated 2,030 hours to our Trust

Elaine Clark - Chair's Award

Pictured is Elaine Clark with her award

Last Thursday (18 November) saw over 200 staff and volunteers from our hospitals attend a celebratory event, thanking them and recognising their dedication to the local community.

We held our fourth Long Service and PRIDE Awards event at Orsett Hall, where eight staff were recognised for their achievements, including Elaine Clark who was presented with the Chair’s Award.

The evening, hosted by TV presenter, author and equality and diversity specialist Simon Fanshawe, along with our Chief Executive Matthew Hopkins and Chair Dr Maureen Dalziel, also celebrated long service, recognising six volunteers with 10 years’ and three with 20 years’ service. Also recognised were 52 staff with 20 years, 25 with 30 years and three with 40 years of service.

On presenting the Chair’s Award, Maureen said: “Elaine Clark is a valued member of our family and a very special person. She deserves recognition not only for her voluntary work but her commitment to ensuring the delivery of high quality patient care. I am very happy to see her recognised for her dedication to improving care for our patients.”

Elaine became involved with the Trust following the loss of her husband and has supported the work of a number of committees, including the End of Life Care Committee, which works in close liaison with the local hospice. 

She also previously chaired the Improving Patient Experience Group for seven years on a voluntary basis, only stepping to take up a role that helps to improve care for outpatients. Elaine said: “Nobody wants to be in hospital and it can be a very stressful time. Anything I can do to make someone’s experience that bit better is worth it.”

Other awards on the night included one for Inspirational Leadership. Tomas Jovaisa, Specialty Lead for Critical Care, has worked tirelessly to improve patient and staff experience in critical care over the last year.  A host of improvements from the environment to equipment and processes have been implemented with more visible hands-on leadership.

Patients were also encouraged to nominate staff who they felt was their Hospital Hero. Tina Mills-Baldock is an Oncology Clinical Trials Nurse and was nominated by a patient diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer. Helen decided to enter a clinical trial and was introduced to Tina who subsequently supported her every step of the way.  Helen says it has been her privilege to have Tina as her nurse.

Was this page useful?

Was this page useful?
Rating

We've placed cookies on your computer which helps to improve you experience on our website. You can read our cookie policy, otherwise we will assume that you're ok to continue.

Please choose a setting: