Publish date: 6 October 2022
August's Employee of the Month winner is Stephanie Hills from the Personality Disorder Hub. Stephanie was nominated by Carla Whittaker for the value of Respect
"I would like to nominate Stephanie for Employee of the Month as within her role as a Personality Disorder Practitioner she supports patients who have extremely complex needs. Since I have started in post, I have had several conversations with Stephanie when she has had safeguarding concerns associated with the patients she supports. A number of these safeguarding issues are significant concerns and Stephanie has always acted responsively, sensitively, and appropriately to any of the concerns often going above and beyond to ensure that these patients receive the safeguarding support which the need and ensuring that the patient’s wishes are at the centre of any safeguarding decisions which are made in line with Making Safeguarding Personal.
Recently during a telephone support call initiated by a patient the patient reported an injury which they reported to have sustained accidently. Rather than taking this explanation at face value Stephanie reflected on the account which had been received by the patient, to which Stephanie was not satisfied with this; so utilised professional curiosity to make further enquiries into this patient’s history which subsequently revealed this person had previously been the victim of domestic violence (including recently) and known to MARAC historically. Through routine questioning and exploring the patient’s history Stephanie was able to ensure that that process was followed to ensure that multi-agencies were aware of the concerns so risk assessment and safety planning with the patient could commence.
This scenario is a perfect example of the benefits of utilising professional curiosity, not taking information as face value and following any ‘gut feeling’. Well done, Stephanie, a safeguarding super star!"
August's Team of the Month winner is the Later Life and Memory Services - St Helens. The team was nominated by Ricky TaylorWebster for the value of Enthusiasm.
"The Later Life and Memory Service in St Helens has worked tirelessly over the last few years to recover to pre-covid status. The staff have worked above and beyond to deliver safe, effectively, and timely access to early diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
As a team they have demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt to an everchanging NHS and the patients they service. They work together to support one another when flexibility and accountability is required. They work tirelessly to uphold the standards, values, and vision of Merseycare. They always strive for empathetic and person-centred care in many different ways, including taking time out of their own lives to support patients that might otherwise have not had their voices heard. They are a privilege to manage and make being their manager and leading this team very easy. I am very proud of their accomplishment of achieving Good Plus at our latest QRV and how hard they all work every day. Well done LLAMS team.
The above has meant that patients and carers are given the answers they so desperately deserve. The staff have worked so hard that patients are now seen in expected timeframes. It also means that patients are now reviewed more frequently in line with best practice and NICE standards where a waiting list was previously implemented. It means that patients are now getting quicker access to not only diagnosis but also access to treatment. It has meant that early signposting has also been facilitated so that patients and their loved ones get the necessary help they need and have their voiced heard.
The staff have made it possible to work in a nurturing and supportive environment that fully embodies Just culture with a restorative focus. It has also meant that staff have felt supported to continue to deliver a sustainable offer that will support the needs of our vulnerable population for many years to come."