The cheerfulness and kindness she has shown to patients in the Intensive Care Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital has earned housekeeper Nadine Sinclair the Unsung Hero Award in the NHS Forth Valley 2016 Staff Awards.
A total of 35 nominations from patients and colleagues from the Intensive Care Unit, where she works, described how Nadine is always a ray of sunshine in the mornings and remembers patient preferences for meals and the amount of sugar they like in their teas and coffees, all of which adds a personal touch.
Colleagues referred to her as “the glue that binds the ward” and an “integral part of the team” noting that she is always prepared to go the extra mile for everybody, providing cuppas without being asked to relatives who are grieving or distraught or making sure that visitors find their way around the department.
Another colleague wrote: “Nadine is a consistent and excellent hard worker. This has a noticeable effect upon all in the department from helping patients to smile and allowing staff to be assured that no jugs of water are ever empty at the bedside. She really does help make a busy, and at times stressful, department flow efficiently and effectively – an unsung asset in our Intensive Care Unit.’
Forty four nominations were submitted for Ward A31 at Forth Valley Royal, which received the Top Team Award. Patients spoke of how staff made them laugh when they felt like crying and gave hugs when people were down. One referred to them as “amazing people who deserve every bit of praise they get” and dubbed them “Angels!”
Alex Linkston, Chair of NHS Forth Valley, said: “The response to this year’s awards has been fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to put forward nominations.
These local awards are really important as they help demonstrate how much the efforts of our staff are really appreciated by colleagues and patients alike.”
Award Categories
Top Team Award
This award is for teams which deliver an excellent service and provide a supportive environment which encourages staff to work together to drive forward developments and improvements.
Inspiration Award
This award recognises the innovative and ambitious work undertaken by NHS staff to improve the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of patient care in NHS Forth Valley. This could include the introduction of new ways of working, the development of new treatments, the use of new technology, the completion of new research or innovative resource management that has achieved financial savings.
Outstanding Care Award
This award gives members of staff, patients and their families the opportunity to nominate a member of staff, service or team who has delivered outstanding care and treatment.
Volunteer Award
For individuals, organisations, fundraisers or charities who work tirelessly and generously give their free time, enthusiasm and energy to help improve NHS services, facilities and support for patients, visitors and their families.
Innovation Award
This award recognises the innovative and ambitious work undertaken by NHS staff to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of patient care in Forth Valley. This could be through the introduction of new ways of working, the development of new treatments, the use of new technology or the completion of new research.
Unsung Hero Award
This is the person who does a fantastic job but whose contribution and role often goes unrecognised. Although just doing their normal day-to-day job, this individual’s drive, commitment and support makes a genuine difference to others. This is the type of person who goes the extra mile and is always happy to help others.
Chairman’s Award
This is for people who don’t necessarily fit into any of our main award categories but who demonstrate their values and deserve recognition for the contribution to their work.
William Cullen Prize for Service Innovation
The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh’s inaugural William Cullen prize is for excellence in service innovation.
