You made a difference:
August award winners

August 2011

58 nominations were considered for You Made a Difference this month.

The winners were Tony Geater, physicist, and Andy Costall, security officer.

Tony Geater

Tony joined CUH in 1986 as a basic grade physicist, before becoming a senior grade physicist. He now works in his current role as head of treatment planning, and is responsible for the work of the physicists and dosimetrists in Radiotherapy Treatment Planning. Treatment planning produces the highly complex computerised plans required to model the radiation dose for each patient having radiotherapy treatment.

Tony Geater accepting his award from Brenda Hennessy and Ruth Murphy

Tony received his nomination from colleague June Dean, translational research radiographer, for his dedication in solving problems following a machine software upgrade.

June's nomination read: "Following a major treatment machine software upgrade, Tony spent many hours after work, during working hours and weekends for three weeks to ensure that patient treatments were not interrupted. His selfless dedication to solving these problems with the company involved deserves acknowledgement. Without Tony's tenacity it wouldn't have happened."

Simon Thomas, head of radiotherapy physics, also thanked Tony for his dedication to his role, saying: "He always ensures that everything is done safely. His role is to solve problems – however late it keeps him."

On accepting his award, Tony said: "I have always tried to do my best, but I am not alone in this – I am just working off the example of my colleagues. I hope I am a reasonable role model, just as they are all role models to me. I am lucky to be surrounded by such great people.

"If it wasn't for the support of my colleagues and my family, none of this would have been possible. They have kept me going and have been very supportive.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped me to get this award – I shall be sharing it with all of my colleagues."

Andy Costall

Andy Costall with his colleagues

Andy joined APCOA at CUH in June 2007, working as a security officer. He patrols the site both internally and externally, ensuring the physical security of the site and those within it; from dealing with a locked door or answering the intercom, to monitoring CCTV or dealing with a violent or aggressive person.

Good communication skills and empathy are essential to resolve difficult situations and Andy is very proficient in these, as is demonstrated by the nomination he received from the relative of a patient, who said:

"I arrived at the hospital to visit my Nan who had been moved into intensive care and was very unwell. I was very emotional, unsure of where to go and very worried that my Nan may pass away. Andy found me in tears in a long corridor and asked me if I was okay and told me he was here to help. He walked me to the ward and got a member of staff to assist me. Afterwards he sat in the Day Room talking to me while I waited to go in – he was so polite and amazing. He is a credit to the hospital."

After the nomination was read out, Dr Goodier commended Andy for his ability to "display the skills required to provide security, and also be able to show compassion to a patient when needed."

Andy's manager Phil Ducker added: "To be recognised in such a way is not only a personal honour but the honour is also shared by the rest of the department. APCOA are proud to have officers like Andy as part of the security team."

Humbled by winning his award, Andy said: "I really am honoured. My colleagues carry out the same work as I do every day and don't get recognised, so this is for the whole team."

The other nominations for August 2011 were:

Kathryn Alderton, Sister, D4/L5
for making a patient feel cared for by persevering with treatments until one worked

Phares Banda, Midwife, Lady Mary Ward, The Rosie
for being a calming influence by taking the time to talk through a patients anxieties

Jill Barker, Osteoporosis Specialist Nurse Metabolic Bone, Clinic 5
for working hard to link investigations together and for using an excellent approach to a patients care

Bogumila Becker, Domestic Assistant, Medirest
for working hard to maintain an excellent standard of cleanliness

Hollie Brenann, Junior sister, DSU Pre-assessment
for being kind, helpful and caring

Kate Burton, Radiographer, Oncology Radiotherapy
for being helpful and effective in dealing with queries and problems

Nikki Carmichael, Midwife, Delivery Unit, The Rosie

for always smiling and for having a positive attitude and lovely manner

Jane Chisango, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Oncology
for being professional, reliable and caring

Sophie Clements, Midwife, Delivery Unit, The Rosie
for providing excellent care which made a patient feel special

Graham Cone, Radiographer, Oncology Radiotherapy
for being very willing to explain and answer questions in a very pleasant and reassuring manner

Sonia Cumming, Ultrasonographer, Rosie Ultrasound (MFAU)
for providing excellent care and explaining everything clearly

Christopher Drummond, Bereavement Care Co-ordinator, Chaplaincy (3 nominations)
for being an outstanding member of the team who always ensures that everything is running smoothly

Dr Charlotte Dyson, Specialty Registrar, (ST2) Obs & Gynae
for being extremely understanding and reassuring

Maria Ederra, Junior Sister, C10
for being calm, professional and very reassuring

Lesley Edwards, HCA, N3
for being very caring and giving confidence to those who need it

Zoe Garbould, Nurse, C2 Paediatrics
for being cheerful, professional and explaining everything thoroughly

Debbie Gilardi, HCA, A4
for brightening a patient's day by checking to see that they were well

Emma Glover, Divisional Head of Finance, Finance
for working very hard to support two divisions and always finding time to help and respond to members of her team

Sarah Goodman, HCA, C10
for taking the time to listen and comfort a family

Charles Govan, Clinic Orderly, Oncology
for being cheerful, positive and friendly

Dr Lakshmi Harihar, Foundation House Officer, Neurosurgery
for always maintaining patient privacy and for being well organised and professional

Siobhan Harrison, Staff Nurse, DSU
for making a difference to a patient's recovery by helping them to feel relaxed and comfortable

Amy Haynes, Apprentice Admin Assistant, Learning Centre (2 nominations)
for being friendly and possessing a positive attitude to her job and also for being helpful and understanding which ensured a visitor attended a course they had applied for

Alison Jeffs, Junior Sister, Lewin Stroke & Rehab
for being helpful, sympathetic and doing everything possible to console a family

Karen Leitch, Clinic Administrator, Oncology
for going above and beyond to assist a colleague at short notice

Dr Peter Martin, Neurology Consultant, Neurology
for taking the time to listen, reassure and carefully explain treatment

Tracey Mason, Midwife Delivery Unit, The Rosie
for being organised, competent, calm and reassuring

Joanna Mead, Midwife, Obstetrics/ Delivery Unit
for working over and above to ensure all concerns and worries are dealt with in a caring and professional manner

Bruno Mendes, Housekeeper, Medirest
for being polite and for providing an efficient and excellent meal time service

Sally-Anne Micallef, Admin Assistant, C2 (2 nominations)
for being highly organised, cheerful and always happy to help others

Stephen Mitchell, Domestic Assistant, Medirest
for always being keen to help and for taking pride in his work

Thelma Mushapaidzi, Staff Nurse, A4
for listening to advice and for being an amazing nurse

Dr Xiaomei Ouyang, Clinical Scientist, Gastroenterology (2 nominations)
for being very caring and for providing a calm and comfortable environment in which to undergo tests

Nicola Owen, Ward Manager, A4
for being an excellent ward manager by providing support, guidance and friendship

Kimberly Owen, Midwife, Lady Mary Annexe
for being kind, reassuring and always ready to listen

Christine Potter, Midwife, Lady Mary Ward, The Rosie
for explaining everything clearly and answering all questions

Edmund Ramage, Clinical Vascular Scientist, Vascular Studies Unit
for his cheery disposition and professional manner which combine to make difficult surgical procedures easier

Kieran Sandwell, MLA, Haematology
for being a kind and patient trainer and also for being a helpful, enthusiastic member of the team who constantly improves staff morale

Emma Thorburn, Midwife, Midwife Led Birthing Unit

for being helpful, supportive and encouraging during the delivery of a baby

Michaela Twyford, Quality System Administrator, Genetics Laboratories
for being instrumental in ensuring the genetics laboratory maintained CPA accreditation

Alison Tyler, Midwife, Lady Mary Ward, The Rosie
for taking excellent care by paying attention to detail

June Waugh, Nurse Clinic, 2A
for going the extra mile to ensure patients are well informed and in good care

Dr Jessie Welbourne, SPR, Anaesthetics & Critical Care Anaesthetics/Rosie Delivery Unit
for demonstrating excellent medical skill combined with a helpful and reassuring manner

Chloe White, Administration Apprentice, Recruitment
for being friendly, helpful and highly professional

Clarence Yapo, Staff Nurse, PSSU (D5)
for being a kind, caring and dedicated nurse

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You made a difference: August award winners

August 2011

You made a difference:
August award winners