Health Hero Award for dedicated team
A team of dedicated staff from St John’s Hospital have been awarded the prestigious Health Hero Award for going above and beyond the line of duty.
Lynn Rose, Emma Campbell and Gill Thomson scooped the accolade at a ceremony in Edinburgh to become the health heroes of NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards.
The two midwives and medical photographer were recognised for their work in supporting families who face the heartbreak of delivering a stillborn baby or one who only has a short time to live.
Also picking up an accolade in the Voluntary Service Award category was Colin Penman and Frank Milloy, who are both ‘Lary Buddy’ volunteers, supporting people who have surgery to remove their larynx.
Lynn Rose, acting clinical midwifery manager, said the SANDS team were all delighted to have been recognised. She said: “We are really pleased to have been given the award. We see it as just doing our jobs, but it is really nice to know that we are making a difference to families at the saddest of times.”
Midwife Emma Campbell said: “It is sadly part of a midwife’s job to look after mums who are bereaved. It’s very difficult for the families and for the midwives involved, too. But it’s amazing to know that families find the time and energy to think about us.”
And Gill Thomson, a senior medical photographer, added: “We are involved with families at one of the saddest and most difficult times. We capture precious photographs of their babies which we know will be treasured forever. I feel very honoured that what we do has made a difference as we work very hard and will continue to do so in the future.”
The team was nominated for the award by Nicola Welsh, chief executive of SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death) charity Lothian. She put them forward for recognition after her own baby son, Theo, died from an abdominal defect in 2009 when he was just three- weeks- old. Nicola said: “I know they say they are just doing their jobs, but when you see them in action and hear the feedback from patients, it is just amazing. They are really going the extra mile to give real personal care and there are no words to describe the gratitude felt by the families.”
The team was set up five years ago at St John’s Hospital and they have worked hard to make a warm and welcoming family room by sewing curtains and cushions, knitting blankets and items for babies.
It works with SANDS to make sure the room is equipped with items the family might need, including nice little touches, such as special toiletries.
The team also raised money with the SANDS charity to provide a cold cuddle cot so families can spend longer with their baby, knowing there is no rush to leave. Gill provides beautiful images of babies for and delivers the pictures in a small album which the family can take home. After accepting his award in the Voluntary Sector category, Colin Penman said: “I try to instil into people to always have a positive attitude. It puts you ninety percent down the road. We are only looking to help people and get better ourselves.”
Tim Davison, chief executive, NHS Lothian, said the awards acted as recognition to all health care staff who excel every day. He added: “I am always amazed by our highly- gifted, skilled and talented staff who put their heart and soul into the care they provide to their patients and go above and beyond their duties every day to deliver the very best patient care. The Celebrating Success Awards are a small, but important way of showing how much we appreciate our staff who work with dedication and commitment to provide the best possible patient care and support.”
They are really going the extra mile to give personal care