Christopher, a Sleep Practitioner on Ward 18 at Aintree University Hospital, was nominated by a patient in recognition of how he supported her entire family, who have additional needs adapting his time proactively to enable all family members to receive their treatment together.
This small but considerate act of kindness and initiative allowed the family to receive their much-needed treatment without the added stresses associated with hypersensitivity to change, due to their diagnosed autism, making what can be a challenging experience, a seamless one.
His nomination read: “I would like to thank Christopher so much for all he has done for all four patients (my family). I cannot begin to explain what it means that they have their treatment and are engaging and managing with it. Christopher made every effort to ensure my husband and children felt very safe and secure in their appointment – he has shown great patience and persistence, not to mention his great sense of humour!
“Against every odd you could ever have with a patient, not least with autism which makes for extreme sensory resistance to anything, all patients have been using their treatment at home and are already experiencing the benefits. This is a complete miracle from Christopher and our family can’t believe you’ve made this possible. I would like to award Chris employee of the century (ok, week will do!) - but seriously I am indebted to him for the health of my three kids. Truly - thank you!”
The judges praised Christopher with comments such as:
“Christopher has gone above and beyond. He has shown compassion, outstanding patient care and is living the values of the organisation – well done!”
“Wow what an incredible nomination and a shining example of what it is to provide individualised patient-centred care - a huge thank you to Chris who has made an incredible difference to his patients and their families.”
Dr Paul Albert, a Respiratory Consultant at Aintree University Hospital, was nominated by a colleague for supporting with complex respiratory patient cases within A&E. Dr Albert was praised for looking over many cases that weren’t initially assigned to him, and for always taking the time to stop and listen to his patients and colleagues to ultimately provide great care.
His nomination read:
“One afternoon, I approached Dr Albert over my concerns regarding a young complex respiratory patient with a known learning disability that I had just seen for physiotherapy. Dr Albert stopped what he was doing and talked through my concerns and the patient case with me. Together we came up with a plan and made sure the relevant members of staff were involved and appropriate investigations completed to prevent the patient deteriorating.
“Dr Albert is a very approachable member of staff and supportive of everyone. The support he provided for this patient reduced family/carer anxiety and more than likely prevented the patient's condition worsening. I appreciate the medical support Dr Albert provides in the most complex of cases that I have seen through Aintree A&E over the last few years.”
The judges praised Dr Albert with comments such as:
“Dr Albert is able to offer a high level of support and care, in a less-than-ideal environment. I am sure that he is under enormous pressure but is able to give time to actively listen to patients making them feel personally valued and acknowledged.”
Adebolanle, a Domestic at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, was nominated by colleagues for his incredible act of compassion and kindness in supporting a patient in crisis.
His nomination read:
“Adebolanle was the first to arrive on the scene when he discovered a patient in crisis. In what was a challenging and potentially life-threatening situation, Adebolanle remained incredibly calm, demonstrating profound compassion and kindness. Without hesitation, he reassured the patient, offering a steady presence, and immediately alerted the clinical team, ensuring that the situation was swiftly addressed.
“Without Adebolanle’s quick and decisive actions, the outcome for the patient could have been very serious. Thanks to his response, the patient received immediate support. When we offered our thanks and recognition, Moses humbly replied, 'I'm not doing anything special, just my job.'”
The judges praised Adebolanle with comments such as:
“What an incredible and powerful nomination! Adebolanle's actions demonstrate enormous compassion and care for the patient and his humble response that he was just doing his job, highlights his work ethic and strong personal values.”
James, a Clerical Officer for Therapies at Broadgreen Hospital, was nominated by a colleague for his compassion whilst supporting a grieving patient, which was above and beyond his role.
His nomination said: “A patient who attended a physiotherapy appointment was emotional throughout the session as his partner of 45 years had passed away the previous month.
Jimmy, who greeted the patient at reception, recognised his distress immediately and wanted to help the patient through his difficult time. The patient had explained his situation to Jimmy prior to his appointment, highlighting his approachability and emotional state.
Despite not being expected to, Jimmy took the patient to one side to talk to him and help with his emotions while he was in the department, spending almost 30 minutes with patient. We need members of staff like this in every role to make experiences in the hospital as positive as they can be, especially in difficult times.”
Judges said: “This shows how we all, whatever our role, are in a position to enhance patient experience. Jimmy's actions demonstrate a high level of compassion and empathy, and I am sure that he was a real support to this man in his grief. A huge thank you and well done to Jimmy for his kindness.”
Rose, who works at the Royal, was nominated for performing above her role to support patients and colleagues as she celebrates an outstanding achievement of 40 years working for the NHS in Liverpool.
With most of her career spent in Haematology Oncology and Haematology, Rose has worked her way up through the ranks right up to Matron, supporting the development of many members of staff.
Her nomination read: “We want to thank Rose for all the care, compassion and the thousands of patients lives that she has touched, and the amazing role model she has been to so many members of staff.”
Over the years Rose has performed beyond her role, securing food parcels for patients and colleagues in need, comforted those receiving bad news and always been there to support staff with any concerns or worries, providing emotional support and ensuring that everyone is well cared for.
Colleagues added: “She has made a huge difference to people’s lives where the outcome could have been very different if Rose hadn't intervened. She is a fantastic human being and is somebody to look up to and strive to be like.”
Judges said: “Well done Rose! Your employees clearly think so highly of you, you should be proud!
“It is a beautiful nomination and testament to the care and compassion Rose has shown to the many patients she has cared for over her career, but also her colleagues and team members. A huge thank you to Rose for all that she has given to others - it is clear that this nomination has been made with such love and respect for a beloved colleague!”
Congratulations to Shaun, a HCA in the Emergency Department at the Royal, who was nominated for enabling an end-of-life patient to have his final wish of seeing his only daughter on her wedding day.
Whilst caring for the gentlemen who was too ill to attend his daughter’s wedding, Shaun organised a blessing in the hospital chapel, inviting the priest from Liverpool Cathedral, and helping the patient to get smartly dressed to witness his daughter walk down the aisle and have a blessing by the priest.
The nomination read: “Without Shaun going to so much effort this would not have been possible. Shaun demonstrates a strong work ethic and always goes above and beyond in his role, working extremely hard to maintain a safe emergency department. He is always willing to support patients and staff in need and we are very lucky to work with such a dedicated and kind person.”
Our judges said: “Well done for going above and beyond! This is such a beautiful nomination and what Shaun achieved for the family is immeasurable. This is a real showcase of compassionate and empathetic care - well done Shaun and thank you!”
“Well done Shaun for acting outside your role to go above and beyond in such emotional circumstances! This is a powerful nomination and Shaun's compassion allowed this patient his dying wish - thank you Shaun, a fantastic thing to do.”
Congratulations to Danielle Stevens, our latest Employee of the Month.
Danielle, Staff Nurse on Ward 25 at Aintree University Hospital was nominated for her compassionate and thoughtful care supporting a patient and their family through end-of-life care.
Her nomination read: “From the very start of our time on the ward nothing was too much trouble for Danielle, whether it was listening to my mum, assisting her in whatever way necessary as she couldn't move on her own. She was so polite, professional and friendly no matter what the ask was.
“She afforded the exact same courtesy and behaviour to all of us at my mum's bedside. We never needed to ask for anything, Danielle always took the time to explain what was happening, fielded our questions, spoke to the doctors for us and offered so much support, above and beyond what could be expected.
“Quite simply, if the world had more Danielle’s, then the world would be a much kinder place. She is an absolute credit to the ward, hospital and NHS. We cannot speak highly enough of her - thank you Danielle!
“Danielle helped make my mum's passing more bearable, I know now that my mum will have felt safe and cared for in her final days. It is obvious that to Danielle, this is a truly selfless vocation and not just a job.”
Judges said:
“The family's experience speaks for itself - excellent, thoughtful patient care, well done!”
“What a beautiful nomination that demonstrates the impact of Danielle's compassion for both the patient and their family- this will be in their memories forever- well done and thank you Danielle.”
Angela, Healthcare Assistant in our Outpatients Department at the Aintree University Hospital was nominated for always going above and beyond to support patients and her colleagues with the upmost compassion.
The nomination explained how recently, Angela has demonstrated exemplary care and compassion to an old colleague throughout her six-month palliative stay in hospital:
“Angela would selflessly visit during her lunch hour to feed and encourage her to eat, as well as after work, she would sit with her to talk and keep her mind alive. Angela is constantly thinking of others; she is so kind to all her patients and is constantly going above what is required. She really is a kind and lovely person, and her colleagues love her.
“Nothing is ever too much trouble, she is extremely generous with her time, volunteers to take patients all over the hospital, can lift the mood of a whole team with her smile and is our dementia champion, always looking for innovative ways to provide help to patients and their carers.
The judges commented: “How lovely to be visiting and encouraging her colleague to eat and drink, staying with her until the very end. Great work Angela, you should be very proud - excellent nomination.”
“This is such a beautiful and heart-warming nomination- Angela clearly has such a sense of compassion and care and always goes above and beyond to support patients and her colleagues - well done Angela!”
June, Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Royal Liverpool Hospital was nominated by a patient’s daughter for going beyond every expectation with her caring, compassionate and reliable nature throughout her mum’s cancer journey.
The nomination read: “I am nominating June for simply being a true asset to the hospital. June is a very caring, friendly, professional, honest, informative, hardworking lady with excellent listening skills that should receive the recognition she truly deserves.
“My mum had bowel cancer surgery last year and June is her surveillance nurse for the next 5 years. I take calls on behalf of my mum with her permission, due to being hard of hearing and she is not always able to understand what is said to her.
June is always very approachable and never leaves any of my questions unanswered, calling me back the same day, even if this means after her working hours have ended. She is always willing to give her time and expertise which is appreciated more than she will ever know.
“June is the whole package and makes a huge difference to our lives. I cannot rate this lady highly enough for always showing such genuine concern and interest and putting our minds at ease by being honest. June is not just caring towards my mum, she is with me too, proving she values everyone, not just her patients.
“Not all people are as approachable or as informative, but by simply being the amazing lady June is, helps makes this whole cancer experience with my mum less stressful.”
Sharon, Divisional Governance and Assurance Officer was nominated for demonstrating remarkable versatility and her exceptional contributions to both surgery and medicine departments across our hospitals.
In the surgical department, Sharon has seamlessly adapted to fast-paced, high-pressure environments, assisting with procedures, coordinating care, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. In medicine, she’s been equally invaluable, supporting clinical teams, managing patient needs, and bridging gaps wherever help is needed.
The nomination read:
“Sharon’s caring nature and unwavering kindness make her a pillar of support to those around her, whether it's offering a helping hand or stepping in when things get tough, Sharon never hesitates, she simply gets on with it, with grace and determination.
“Recently, she’s been entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, many of which would overwhelm even the most seasoned professionals. Yet Sharon has tackled each task with skill, tenacity, and a calm confidence that inspires everyone she works with.
“Her ability to juggle complex demands while maintaining compassion and professionalism is truly admirable. Sharon doesn’t just rise to the occasion, she elevates it. Her presence brings reassurance, her actions bring results, and her attitude brings hope. She’s not just helping, she’s making a difference.
Judges commented: “What a lovely nomination demonstrating how appreciated and valued Sharon is by her colleagues. Sharon clearly goes the extra mile, and her conscientious approach is clearly appreciated and acknowledged by her team.”
Louise, a Chief Cardiac Physiologist, was nominated an outstanding 14 times for her exceptional leadership, organisation and positive attitude which significantly boosted morale for her team during a challenging time.
During a period of short staffing in the cardiology outpatient department, Louise took on many additional duties on top of her usual workload and clinical role to ensure the department continued to run smoothly.
The nomination explained:
“The entire team wants to show sincere thanks and appreciation to Louise for her outstanding dedication, compassion and hard work. We want to recognise her invaluable contribution and express our gratitude for everything she has done to keep the team motivated and deliver excellent patient care.
“Louise has taken on many additional duties on top of her usual workload and clinical profession and has been truly amazing at empowering her team and maintaining a happy and safe environment for all during this challenging time.
“Louise is approachable, empathetic, professional and nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She is always committed to fostering a positive and productive environment and is always there for whoever needs her support. We can’t thank her enough for both the emotional and workplace guidance and the resilience she has offered us over the past few months.
“She took charge of overseeing both the operational and clinical aspects of our department and became the central point of contact for both the team and patients, ensuring everything from scheduling to patient flow was managed efficiently. Her exceptional organisational skills helped reduce waiting lists and she brought structure to the team, improving both morale and productivity. Through her leadership, the department was able to maintain a high level of service despite the pressures, and the positive impact of her actions was felt across both staff and patients.
“With her positive nature, we have been able to continue delivering high-quality care even under challenging circumstances. Thank you, Louise.”
Michael and Jo, Early Diagnosis Lung Cancer Navigators, were both nominated for their outstanding patient centred care, working together to support a vulnerable patient to attend an important appointment.
The nomination explained:
“One patient was reluctant to attend his outpatient appointment and had failed to attend on more than one occasion. Through telephone conversations it was established the patient did not want to leave his dog alone, and at the time, didn’t have anyone he trusted to look after him.
“Michael and Jo developed a rapport via telephone with the patient, which led to an offer of Michael meeting the gentleman with his dog outside the hospital main entrance prior to a further appointment time. Michael then looked after his dog allowing the patient to successfully attend the appointment.
“Michael and Jo always show great levels of care and compassion, and this is just one example. They are instrumental to the running of the lung cancer service and take a great weight from the Lung CNS team.
Judges praised Micael and Jo, leaving comments such as:
“Wow - this really is person-centred and pet-centred care! What amazing, individualised patient care, building a trusting relationship with the patient to understand their reasons not to attend an important appointment - unsung heroes amidst patient care, well done!”
“Well done Michael and Jo, this clearly made a big difference for the patient.”
Joe, Training Officer and Systems Lead, was nominated for his outstanding support, collaborative spirit and ability to turn innovation into impact by streamlining reporting to help colleagues across our hospitals.
The nomination explained:
“Joe’s knowledge and support has been invaluable and has made a significant impact on our team, alleviating pressure, improving accuracy, and freeing up capacity to focus on other priorities, saving us an enormous amount of time each month.
“Joe proactively offered his expert support and identified areas of improvement in our reporting process, helping us redesign and transform a complex reporting process into a more efficient system.”
Judges praised Joe, leaving comments such as:
“It is important that the "back office" roles in the NHS are highlighted and for individuals like Joe to be recognised for their hugely valuable contribution that makes such a difference to both staff and patients. Thank you to Joe!”
“Thank you, Joe, for your outstanding support and willingness to share your knowledge. Your efforts to streamline reporting and help colleagues across teams have had a real impact, well done!”
