Peterborough Hospital Heroes given awards for going the extra mile

Staff at Peterborough City, Hinchingbrooke and Stamford and Rutland Hospitals who went the extra mile to help those in need picked up the prizes at the 2018 Hospital Heroes award night.

Winners included staff who helped a patient with downs syndrome and his family, nurses who raised cash for charity and a consultant who helped a couple who were not able to conceive naturally.

Disability Nurse Advisor, Sue Overson was named Peterborough City Hospital Hero 2018 for the outstanding care she showed a patient with downs syndrome, dementia, epilepsy and communication difficulties, and their family. During the last months of the patient’s life, Sue alerted the family every time he was admitted and paid regular visits, even when they were on a palliative care pathway. She was right there until the end, checking that everything was done to make them comfortable.

Sue Overson with Caroline Walker, Chief Executive

Consultant Chris Siozos was highly commended by a mother who experienced the trauma of losing her first child. Having saved the patient’s life, he vowed that he would deliver their next child, should the couple fall pregnant again. Mr Siozos gave the couple and their family the faith that there was hope when all they could see was pain and emptiness. When they became pregnant again, he made sure they were in the safest hands and kept an eye on the mother’s mental wellbeing, knowing the anxiety she would experience due to her loss.

Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist, Nicola Gregson was named Stamford and Rutland Hospital Hero 2018 for her hard work raising money and awareness for breast cancer charities. Nicola felt the impact of breast cancer when her mum was diagnosed and was subsequently treated on the ward she worked on. Nicola now also works bank shifts at Thorpe Hall and holds regular coffee and cream tea events in her own home, so she can give something back for the care her mum received.

Consultant Obstetrician, Erika Manzo was named Hinchingbrooke Hospital Hero 2018 for the care she gave to a couple who were unable to conceive naturally. The couple nominated Erika for her prompt action that ensured they were eligible for NHS funded IVF treatment. During their first round of IVF they conceived a baby boy and thanks to Erika’s help they are now a family.

Bereavement Manager, Natasha Evans was highly commended for the support she gave a colleague and their partner when they sadly lost their baby girl. The colleague who nominated her said they would not have coped during those very dark first few weeks without her.

Nicola Gregson with Caroline Walker, Chief Executive

Caroline Walker, Chief Executive of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our staff give us reasons to be proud every day and this event helped showcase that fact. It was fantastic to be able to bring all our staff together to say thank you for the great things they do for our patients. This year we also recognising our longest serving staff member from each hospital as part of our NHS 70 celebrations.

“I was particularly pleased to honour our Hospital Heroes. We received lots of nominations for staff at all three of our hospitals and showcased them all on the night. Thank you to those patients and their families who took the time to nominate. Some of the stories of the level of care given completely blew our judging panel away.”

Other award categories and winners were:

Team of the Year: