Stockton Dementia Services Collaborative Win NHS Making A Difference Award
Teams and individuals from across the trust have been recognised for their work at our annual awards ceremony.
180 members of staff attended the sixth Making a Difference Awards ceremony on 1 February, at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield, where 20 awards were presented to recognise and reward dedication and commitment to providing excellent care or support to service users, carers and colleagues.
The event was hosted by BBC Breakfast business correspondent Steph McGovern. Returning to her Teesside roots, the presenter praised the teams and individuals who have gone the extra mile.
The awards were presented by trust chief executive Martin Barkley. Paying tribute to staff he said: “Our reputation for providing high quality mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services is made possible because of the continued commitment and dedication of our staff. I’m proud and delighted to be able to recognise the people who go the extra mile to improve the lives of the local people who use our services.”
The event was sponsored by belong creative, Corepeople, the Royal College of Nursing, UNISON and Ward Hadaway law firm.
And the winners are…
Developing excellent services
This award is presented to a team or individual who has developed and successfully implemented a new or improved service, which promotes recovery and wellbeing.
Highly commended
Michael Cowap, support worker, Redcar and Cleveland psychosis team and Elizabeth Arkley, senior pharmacy technician, Middlesbrough.
They have developed an extremely successful ‘one-stop-shop’ for monitoring service users on Clozaril medication.
Winner
Derek Benn, modern matron, learning disabilities, Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham.
Derek won for the extensive improvements he’s made to patient experience and involvement on his wards, including the introduction of home cooked meals by staff and clients.
Leadership
An award for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. Not necessarily managers, these people will have inspired their colleagues and/or motivated staff.
Highly commended
Joanne Harrison and Darryl Parkinson, support workers, Hartlepool community mental health team, Sovereign House, Hartlepool.
They were chosen for successfully leading their team through an onerous assessment process and dispelling the myth that to be a leader you need to be a manager.
Winner
Joan Breckon, associate director of nursing and patient experience, Flatts Lane Centre, Middlesbrough.
Joan received three nominations from her team and won because of her ability to inspire others; supporting and encouraging them to always do their best.
Using information to improve care
This is presented to a team or individual who has effectively used or developed the use of information to improve patient care or safety.
In this category the judges found it impossible to separate two of the finalists and decided to award joint winners…
Joint winners
Rachel Steele, clinical librarian, Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham.
Rachel won because of the enthusiastic support she has given inpatient wards; using her specialist expertise to carry out extensive literature reviews and help them develop evidence based practice.
Trust pharmacy team, Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough.
They have significantly improved communications between the trust’s pharmacy team, Lloyds Pharmacy and the community teams by developing electronic visual display boards for the clozapine service.
Tackling stigma and promoting social inclusion
An award presented to a team or individual who has successfully tackled stigma, promoted social inclusion or combated discrimination.
Highly commended
Stockton dementia services collaborative, Lustrum Vale, Stockton.
They were commended for the work they’ve done in schools to raise awareness of dementia and memory loss with over 250 children.
Winner
Symon Day, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and veterans’ mental health services lead, St Aidan’s House, Bishop Auckland.
Symon was chosen because of his tireless work to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health issues and to tackle the associated stigma.
Working behind the scenes
This award is presented to team or individual who has made a difference behind the scenes by supporting clinical services to deliver better care for service users.
Highly commended
Julie Khan, medical education manager, Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough.
Julie was chosen for her commitment to improving medical education, including the introduction of a summer school and establishing one of the best medical student teaching programmes in the region.
Winner
Brian Blake, porter, Roseberry Park, Middlesbrough.
Brian won for the way he has embraced the concept of ‘lean’ working, adopting a proactive approach to reducing waste and cutting costs.
Working in partnership with other agencies
For a team or individual who has worked in partnership with other agencies to develop or improve services, education and training or facilities.
Highly commended
Care home liaison team, mental health services for older people, Sandringham House, Middlesbrough.
Commended for the excellent work they’ve done with nursing and residential homes to improve patient care, which was evident in the extensive positive feedback they’ve received.
Winner
The Evergreen Centre, West Lane Hospital, Middlesbrough.
Staff have worked with Tees Valley Arts to engage young people with eating disorders – using art and writing to express their feelings and to develop a book which is used as a therapeutic tool.
TEWV Quality Improvement System (QIS)
A new award for 2012, presented to a team or individual who has improved the quality and value of the services they provide.
Highly commended
Assertive outreach team, Abdale House, Harrogate.
They embraced TEWV QIS and used it to improve services and build team confidence, achieving amazing results for patients.
Winner
The Orchard Day Service, Lansdowne Road, Middlesbrough.
They seized the opportunity of using TEWV QIS, in partnership with the local authority, to create a ‘perfect day’ for their clients.
Personal development
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to their own personal growth and/or professional development.
Highly commended
Karen Davison, associate practitioner in nutrition and dysphagia, mental health services for older people, Darlington.
Karen was commended for her self motivation and enthusiasm to develop the specialist skills she needs to carry out her unique role and improve patient care.
Winner
Lesley Chapman, associate nurse consultant, mental health services for older people, Bishop Auckland.
Lesley was chosen because of her determination and drive to improve patient care across older people’s services by continually developing her own knowledge and skills.
Team of the year
This award recognises outstanding team work and is presented to a team that consistently demonstrates a ‘can do’ approach. Through effective team work they have successfully implemented change and improved services.
Highly commended
North Tees early intervention in psychosis team, Lancaster House, Stockton.
They have worked together to overcome challenges and worked with service users to develop a more inclusive and recovery based service.
Winner
Teeswide older people’s services, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool and Easington and Stockton and young onset dementia team.
They have significantly improved the patient journey and care experience, making the most of their resources and re-shaping the concept of modern healthcare for older people.
Chairman’s unsung hero award
This special award, judged by trust chairman Jo Turnbull, is presented to someone who has gone that extra mile to make a real difference to the life of service users, carers or colleagues; someone who deserves to be rewarded for their dedication and commitment.
Highly commended
Angie Barnett, housekeeper, Elm Ward, West Park Hospital, Darlington.
Angie was chosen for her cheerful and caring nature and for being someone who puts the needs of service users first, showing real concern for their wellbeing.
Winner
Carol Marshall, team secretary, Cross Lane Hospital, Scarborough.
Carol was commended for being not only efficient and well organised, but also for being someone who goes out of her way to make sure patients have a positive experience.
Congratulations to all of the winners and everyone who was shortlisted!
