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.”
