Star Award finalists 2023

Kerry was the community midwife for a family whose son died during labour at 41 weeks.

After hearing the news Kerry visited them at home and brought the medication Ellie required and wasn’t given when discharged. Kerry came round to visit most weeks and was at the end of the phone when they needed advice or just somebody to talk to. She also took time out of her busy schedule to go and meet their baby boy Reuben and go to his funeral.

The family can’t thank her enough - ‘she’s been an absolute star and deserves the recognition’.

The HPV team are praised for always going over and above, however in a period of extreme operational pressure their hard work made a vital difference.

There were a high number of Cdiff patients which increased the HPV requirement considerably and Paul and Chris worked through the night over and above their hours in order to get 14 beds back in operation on Oak Ward. This helped relieve the pressure on the Emergency Department and resulted in the site de-escalating to OPEL 3 for the first time in many, many weeks.

The next night Paul and Chris again stayed until the early hours and completed their work which meant six patients had beds who wouldn't have done otherwise. ‘Their engagement and proactive approach to HPV is simply amazing and nothing is ever too much trouble - they are really making a difference to our patients’.

Tanya pulled out all the stops for a dying patient and their family during the treacherous weather when the family had to travel all the way from Driffield to visit their relative.

It was snowing and the family were unable to get back to Driffield and were planning to sleep on the floor of the hospital. When Tanya heard this she rang around the hospital and managed to obtain the hospital flat for the patient’s family to stay in which meant they were close by if the worst happened. The next morning the family were able to visit the patient and unfortunately, he had passed away.

It meant so much to the family to be close in this awful time. Tanya is known for never saying no to a challenge, job or request and really went above and beyond her job role on this occasion.

This team has been nominated by a patient for providing "incredible" care.

"The care I have received, from initial referral to post-op outpatients, was absolutely incredible.

"My cataracts are congenital, and unusual in their presentation, which means I had a high risk of complications if I had the surgery - it's usually 1 in 100, mine was 1 in 2 or 3. As my sight was rapidly deteriorating and I could soon lose my driving licence, it was agreed I had little choice.

"Every single person I have seen/spoken to along this 'journey' has been amazing. The outpatients team at Malton explained every step clearly and put me at ease during some of difficult initial scans.

"Toni from the waiting list team contacted me when a cancellation appointment became available and always ensured I had the correct information.

"The team on Willow Ward completely understood how terrified I was and did everything they could to allay my fears.

"I'm a nurse, so it was odd being the patient and even more odd being awake during surgery. The theatre team were professional but still looked after me and addressed my fears. They ensured my hearing aids were well looked after and that I could always hear instructions/answers to questions, even when my aids needed to be removed during the surgery.

"A special mention goes to the two nurses. The theatre nurse literally held my hand through the procedure - I would've found it very difficult without her.

"I'd also like to thank Mr Van der Hoek for saving my sight. I am very fortunate my surgery was successful and my vision was significantly improved before I even left theatre.

"It is hard to be a patient when you are a nurse. I was absolutely terrified but I couldn't have asked for better care, understanding, or treatment. The whole team are stars."

Vicki was nominated for her continuous support of a patient diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and his family.

“My lovely dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April last year. It was the worst thing that has ever happened to our family.

“The involvement from all teams was amazing, including the consultant, the specialist nurses, and the community diabetic team. We were very fortunate that he did not suffer for long.

“During Dad’s illness and the palliative weeks, Vicki would frequently call him to check on his diabetic control. He would talk – a lot. He would ask if he was keeping her from other things and she always said no and that she’d like to listen. He told her about the motorbike he bought, how he felt when he found out he was dying, life in general. Vicki always listened – always.

“Vicki wasn’t just there for my dad, though. She also chatted to my mum, who was struggling so much when Dad was first diagnosed. She felt shock, sadness, and fear knowing Dad that he was dying. Mum needed that outlet and Vicky was always there.

“Even towards the end of Dad’s life, the calls continued, and he still chatted to Vicki, enjoying sharing memories and stories. He was a talker! Vicki called Mum after we lost Dad, just to say she was thinking of us and what a lovely man he was.

“I’m not sure Vicki knew at the time how much her calls meant to Dad. When we are all so busy, she was consistent and kind. In those last few weeks of Dad’s life, Vicki made a difference and we will always, always be grateful for that. Just thank you.” 

Mark is a research nurse at our Trust and was nominated by a patient who he helped through the STAR-TREC trial.

“I cannot express enough gratitude for the professional, friendly and caring service I experienced from Mark.

“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the end of October and subsequently joined the STAR-TREC trial. Mark was standing in for the research nurse for my speciality, as well as managing his own caseload. Despite his busy schedule, Mark lead me through the complex test and diagnosis procedures, as well as beginning treatment in Leeds.

“I was then also diagnosed with a bladder tumour, which lead to further complications and delay in my treatment. Mark helped me overcome these complications, facilitating timely appointments and generally having my back. It is my understanding that the problems that came up had not happened in the service before and so would have been especially challenging.

“The issues needed the coordination of specialist services and their consultants, which Mark managed in a professional and effective way, especially as he was working in a field less familiar than his usual area. I felt truly supported and that my voice was heard and respected. I could trust that Mark would sort things out for me as well as keep me informed.

“In my opinion, Mark demonstrated the Trust values. He was dedicated and persistent in finding answers to the problems we faced, working extra time and sometimes on his days off to sort things out. Due to Mark’s diligence and friendly support, I always felt very respected and that my case and problems were acknowledged. I was always confident that Mark was working with my best interest at heart to provide the best solutions possible during this most stressful episode of my life. He is most definitely worthy of receiving the star award, he is a true star.”

This team was nominated by a patient who gave birth in 2021 and wanted to share appreciation for the care she was given.

“I was a high-risk pregnancy and, from 33 weeks pregnant, I had weekly admissions for suspected pre-eclampsia. The care I received was above and beyond what I would have ever expected.

“I had three appointments a week on the day unit to monitor me. Most appointments required an admission, but I was never made to feel a nuisance for being a regular attendee on the ward. A bed was always found, even when diversions were being made.

“The midwives were always so busy and short-staffed, but I didn’t feel like this affected my care. I always felt safe and well looked after; any concerns I had were acknowledged and acted on.

“I am forever grateful to Angie (midwife) and Miss Merrick (consultant). Angie looked after me a lot and was always quick to act. When I felt something was wrong with my daughter, Miss Merrick quickly appeared, and I was taken to the labour ward. I had an emergency C-section later that day. When both staff members returned for their night shifts, Miss Merrick and Angie came to see me, which really meant a lot and showed how much they cared.

“The following day, I developed very high blood pressure and was taken to the labour ward for 1:1 care and treatment. I was relieved to see Miss Merrick as the consultant and I felt I was in safe hands - she was so caring and went above and beyond, calming my daughter down when she was unsettled as I was unable to. I remember her saying my daughter will love ‘In the Night Garden’… Miss Merrick was right, she is now obsessed!

“All the midwives were fantastic. Even with wards merging due to low staff numbers, they never passed their stress on to patients. They were amazing, and so caring, and I feel they need recognition as I’m sure they are continuing to provide outstanding care. I am always praising the York maternity team and I will continue to do so. Hopefully I will be lucky enough to have a second pregnancy and be cared for at York. Thank you.”