We have celebrated the dedication of our teams with a spectacular programme of staff recognition events.
From Monday, 28 September, to Wednesday, 30 September, we invited our staff to take part in a series of virtual events, which they could join from their desk or from home.
The three day programme – named Events not in a tent – gave staff the opportunity and platform to share ideas, develop new initiatives, learn the support and benefits available, and build relationships from across PAHT.
This was in place of the highlight of the annual calendar at PAHT – Event in a tent – in which a series of events are held in a marquee on The Princess Alexandra Hospital site every September.
A key highlight of the three days was a special virtual guest appearance from Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, (pictured) who thanked the nursing, midwifery and allied health professional teams for their commitment. Ruth announced two Chief Nursing Officer’s Silver Awards for Francina Mushaninga, matron on a care of the elderly ward, and Victoria Andrews, lead nurse for practice development.
An extract from Francina’s nomination reads: “Fran is dedicated and committed to providing the highest standards of care to our patients, specifically those who are frail and elderly. Fran has continuously driven improvements in the areas for which she is responsible. She has an amazing ability to reach and support families, often in very difficult circumstances.”
Additionally, an extract from Victoria’s nomination reads: “Over the last 18 months, Victoria has undertaken the role of lead nurse for practice development, leading an expanded team in addressing a number of key challenges for nursing and midwifery across PAHT and has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the way she has role modelled an adaptive, innovative approach in adopting new ways of working. These included supporting 185 overseas nurses through the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) programme with a 100% pass rate.”
Staff also took part in sessions on emotional resilience, mindfulness and supporting their mental health with Alexis Powell-Howard (MA., System. Prac., BACP (Accred) from the multi-award winning Fortis Therapy and Training. They had the opportunity to learn more about quality improvement at PAHT, the culture at the organisation, and a session on careers in nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions with speakers from across PAHT and from the NHS regional team.
Additionally, staff could find out more about celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion, as part of our continued commitment to ensuring that all of our people feel supported. Staff also enjoyed some spectacular award ceremonies for long service colleagues and the Our Amazing People Awards for all to attend. Staff had the opportunity to ask a panel of experts their questions about the flu vaccination, and renowned keynote speaker Gavin Oattes led an engaging session on change and resilience.
Ogechi Emeadi, director of people, organisational development and communications, said: “We were delighted to celebrate the hard work and commitment of all our people with this fantastic series of virtual events.
“We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback of how beneficial our people have found our health and wellbeing events and our sessions which shine a spotlight on the work of teams across the hospital and foster collaboration.
“Thank you to everyone who took part – as a speaker and as a participant – and we look forward to you joining us again next year.”