“Grazie, gracias and obrigado” – New nurses say thank you with award | News

A ward manager at St Helier Hospital has received an Award of Excellence after receiving glowing praise from her new members of staff.

Sister Kim Holder was nominated by three new members of the team who were keen to tell Chief Executive, Daniel Elkeles, about her friendliness and support as they settled into working life on Ward B1. Kim, who has worked at the trust for 12 years, was joined by the rest of her team for the presentation.

Daniel said: “These award presentations give teams from across our hospitals the chance to gather together to reflect on and celebrate the fantastic work that they do. It affirms the strength in the team and the fact we are all dedicated to providing the best care possible to each patient, every day.

“I was delighted to receive three nominations for Kim from some of our new staff members, who have joined us from Italy, Spain and Portugal. We have recently recruited 350 new members of staff and it is wonderful to hear about how they are settling in and what they think of our wards. It is integral we provide all of them with the support they need so that they can focus on the care they give to their patients.”

Ward B1 looks after patients who are usually in hospital to receive treatment for on-going blood conditions. For this reason patients spend on average at least a month on B1 receiving the care and support they need from doctors and nurses to help feel better.

Daniel said: “You can tell as soon as you step onto the ward that it is a friendly and caring place to be. Kim has engendered a fantastic spirit on B1 to meet the demands of patients undergoing complex and long-term care and it is fitting she receives an Award of Excellence for all her hard work. I believe that where you get this fantastic team dynamic, you are bound to get amazing care too and I would like to congratulate Kim for everything she has achieved as the ward manager on B1.

“I feel delighted that some of Kim’s new colleagues have written to me to tell me how much they enjoy working here with her. Making the move from abroad is not easy and I am so glad our staff our happy. I know we cannot change the weather but we certainly can ensure our new colleagues are as settled as possible”.

The Chief Executive’s Award of Excellence is presented to a member of staff nominated by patients, visitors and/or their colleagues. If you would like to make a nomination, please visit www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/nominate. Winners are presented with a certificate and gift voucher in recognition of their achievement.