A healthcare assistant who always has a smile on her face and is willing to go the extra mile, and an occupational therapist who stands out with her deep dedication to her patients and colleagues are the winners of January’s You Made a Difference awards.
Tracey Johnson is a very well thought of member of the emergency department (ED) team. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to go the extra mile to support staff and patients.
Tracey’s role links our emergency department with our gynaecology colleagues. The team work together to find ways to improve the experience of patients who unfortunately miscarry. Tracey and her sister made the most beautiful patterned fabric bags and inside put antibacterial wipes, tissues and nicer sanitary wear than are currently provided in the ED. The bags are tied together with a beautiful fabric heart.
These patients often have to sit in our waiting room and this now provides a discrete way of providing the supplies they need. This is such a thoughtful thing to do and Tracey has done it all in her own time using her own money.
The winning nomination said:
Tracey is such a hardworking, dependable member of staff who always goes above and beyond for her patients. It’s always reassuring to know that the patients will receive the best care when Tracey is on. She is an absolute superstar!
Julie Burkin is an occupational therapist who joined the breathlessness intervention service (BIS) in 2009, having previously specialised in oncology and palliative care. Julie is the clinical lead for the service and combines a busy full time clinical workload, with service management and strategic leadership.
Julie also works with Maggie’s Cancer Support to deliver HOPE courses, is trained as a health coach at CUH, and still finds the time to lead the BIS and support each member of her team.
During the pandemic, Julie has worked tirelessly to embrace the changes and challenges. Julie has achieved this while carrying a very significant caseload, leading the development of a health App, and providing flexible, empowering and compassionate leadership.
This is reflected in the winning nomination, extracts of which told us:
She is an excellent mentor who uses a coaching style to manage her team and this helps us to build confidence more quickly, something which I have certainly appreciated over the past few months as the changes to my work have been significant and my confidence could easily have been shattered.
Coming back to work at such a challenging time (for the service, the hospital, and the wider community) has been something that could have been really difficult, but Julie made sure that it wasn't with her commitment to her team and the service that we can therefore offer, and also her kind, generous and supportive approach to management.
Julie stands out with her deep dedication to her patients and colleagues, and with her proactive and positive, ‘can do’ attitude. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her.