Quarterly Recognition celebrates staff excellence

The excellence of dozens of staff members has been celebrated at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s (OUH) latest Quarterly Recognition event.

A total of 36 people and teams were recognised for their excellence, including recipients of Quarterly Recognition Awards, standout Reporting Excellence nominations, and Long Service Awards.

The event was introduced by Simon Crowther, Acting Chief Executive Officer, who was joined by Yvonne Christley, Chief Nursing Officer, and Dr Elaine Hill, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, to present certificates and gifts to the honourees.

Generously supported by Oxford Hospitals Charity, the event also welcomed its Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Graham, who spoke with staff and helped present awards.

Among those honoured for more than 30 years' service were Kathryn Lewis (Trauma Research Nurse), Sarah Stephenson (Lead Nurse for Accreditation and Nursing Excellence) and Charlotte Tickle (Consultant Nurse). The trio took part in the first intake of a nursing degree in 1989 before graduating and starting their nursing careers in Oxford in 1993.

Sarah said: "30+ years at one organisation is quite a milestone, so we’re pleased to celebrate it. I planned to only stay for one year, but there have been so many opportunities for me here – and that’s what’s exciting about OUH. It’s a privilege to do what we do."

Charlotte said: "It doesn’t feel like 30 years. Every day is different, and I still really enjoy my job. There have been a lot of changes over the years, but patient-centred care remains our focus and what we enjoy."

Kathryn said: "30 years has flown by and I feel proud. We must celebrate our achievements in nursing."

As part of the Reporting Excellence programme, Ken Wall, a driver for Sobell House Hospice based on the Churchill Hospital site, was recognised for his compassion in transporting a complex patient to receive end-of-life care at home.

Described as "incredibly professional and kind" in his nomination, Ken said: "I always put patients' comfort first, and if I can help someone then I do it. To me, I’m just doing my job, but It’s nice to be recognised."

Eleven individuals and teams were celebrated as Quarterly Recognition finalists, including Zoe Abel, a Resuscitation Practitioner, who was praised for her "exemplary leadership skills" and support for colleagues during a cardiac arrest response.

She said: "I'm honoured to be nominated by my colleagues – it really is a team effort – and I'm so grateful to work alongside such a great team."

Simon Crowther, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said: "It was a real privilege to join colleagues in recognising the outstanding contributions of our staff.

"Whether through long service or going above and beyond in their roles, their dedication and professionalism make a positive difference to our patients, our teams, and our Trust.

"I'm grateful to Oxford Hospitals Charity for their ongoing and generous support of our Quarterly Recognition events."

Douglas Graham, Chief Executive Officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "At Oxford Hospitals Charity we are very aware of how crucial it is to recognise examples of excellence from Trust staff as a way of enforcing and improving care for patients, and so we are delighted to be able to help support this event and hear the inspiring stories on the day."