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A ward manager at St Helier Hospital has become the latest winner of the Chief Executive’s Award of Excellence, having been recognised for her outstanding leadership and management of a busy surgical ward.

Senior Sister Lynsey Minchin was delighted to learn she had been nominated by two of her colleagues, who cited her dedication to the trust and commitment to putting the patient first as just two of the many reasons she deserved recognition. On presenting Lynsey with the award, Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles explained: “From reading the many nominations submitted, to presenting the award to the winner (or winners!), the Award of Excellence is one of the absolute highlights of my role as Chief Executive. I was particularly pleased to present the latest award to Lynsey, who has done a truly fantastic job since taking on responsibility for Ward B5.

“The word commonly used by colleagues to describe Lynsey is ‘dedicated’ – reading the nominations and talking to her colleagues has made it very clear to me Lynsey gives nothing short of her absolute best every day, going the extra mile to make sure she is someone whom both patients and staff can rely on for care and support.”

Having graduated with a degree in Arts Management in 2004, Lynsey decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse so embarked on a three-year course at Kingston University. She joined the trust in 2008 and has been working as a ward manager for the last four years, taking up her role on Ward B5 in August. Daniel said: “When Lynsey was asked to take on the role of ward manager on B5, the ward was going through a period of change, and things were not always easy. Despite the challenges she faced, Lynsey has been extremely proactive in her approach to managing the ward and her team.

“In the short time she has been at the helm, Lynsey has helped the ward team achieve some significant improvements in how they work together and the care they provide to their patients. Just some of the highlights include: strengthening the ward team by recruiting nine permanent members of staff, and helping to ensure better continuity of care for patients with the introduction of a ‘Safety Huddle’ handover system to ensure all important information about patients, particularly those who are higher risk, is passed on clearly and effectively at the beginning of every shift.

“Lynsey has really invested in her team, and that’s evident in the way that they have embraced changes and improvements, working together to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care. I am really proud of the improvements made on B5 and of Lynsey for setting such an excellent example and driving through so many positive changes.

On receiving the award Lynsey said: “This is the first time I have won an award! I am so proud of what my colleagues and the team have achieved so far, and am really excited to keep working with the team to make sure the ward continues to go from strength to strength. The future is really exciting – we are even considering launching our own ‘employee of the month’ scheme as a way of recognising all of the hard work and success.

“Receiving the award in front of my team made the experience extra special – I am glad I was able to share it with them.”

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.