Going the extra mile deserves a special 'thank you'. Each month you can read about the STAR of the month. Staff who have gone above and beyond.
The STAR of the Month award recognises the commitment and dedication of staff members who give a service that is over and above what is expected of them in order to make a difference to patients, visitors and/or their colleagues. They embody our values and behaviours and deserve a special thank you in recognition for going above and beyond.
STAR of the month - July 2025
Congratulations to our STAR of the Month winner for July, Helen Nku, Head of Integrated Care, South Place.
Helen was chosen for the award after being nominated by several colleagues for a STAR of Recognition badge for holding her team together 'like glue' whilst going above and beyond and is extremely valued by everyone.
The STAR of the Month award recognises the commitment and dedication of staff members who give a service that is over and above what is expected of them in order to make a difference to patients, visitors and/or their colleagues. They embody our values and behaviours and deserve a special thank you in recognition for going above and beyond.
Colleagues nominating Helen said: "South Place has been through a tough time and Helen was for many weeks Helen was the most senior manager on site and was instrumental in managing and keeping all the teams safe and supported whilst doing her job. Helen always demonstrates the NCH&C behaviour; 'We look after ourselves and each other'. Helen makes time for those she manages, does a walk around to check-in with staff when both at the base and when visiting other sites, which is acknowledged and appreciated by all.
"Helen knows everyone's name whatever their role and ensures that she gives the time needed to hear what they need to say to her. Helen prioritises her supervisions with those she manages and always facilitates the best out of her staff. She actively encourages others to progress and always ensures credit is given to individuals or teams when due.
"We strive to be the best - In a time of much challenge and transformation she is always ahead of the change and guiding us through new processes etc, to get the best outcomes for our teams and patients. She is a great role model who will roll up her sleeves and get on with the job. Her understanding of all things South Place is extraordinary and for any manager in the organisation she offers support, safety and respect of their role and situation.
Helen will receive a special 'STAR of the Month' certificate and voucher from CEO, Matthew Winn.
STAR of the month - June 205
Congratulations to our STAR of the Month winner for June, Debbie Davey, Epilepsy Nurse, West Place.
The STAR of the Month award recognises the commitment and dedication of staff members who give a service that is over and above what is expected of them in order to make a difference to patients, visitors and/or their colleagues. They embody our values and behaviours and deserve a special thank you in recognition for going above and beyond.
Debbie was chosen for the award after being nominated for a STAR of Recognition Badge in recognition of the management of an informal patient complaint.
Colleagues nominating Debbie said: A patient was referred to the Community Epilepsy Team and was informed that her referral would not be accepted due to her epilepsy being drug-induced. The patient felt this was an excuse not to accept the referral because the service has too many patients on the books.
Debbie made immediate contact with the patient and reassured her that advice was being sought with the consultant re: her diagnosis. If there was a confirmed diagnosis, she would be seen immediately. She also gave interim advice and sent out leaflets to support this advice. Debbie explained to the patient if not confirmed diagnosis, she would be contacted with signposting to other appropriate support services. Debbie then went on to discuss / review with her team the information provided at 'first fit clinics' and diagnosis.
We felt this is an exemplary way of managing a patient complaint (open, honest, contacting the patient and understanding their concerns, managing their anxieties) and has actually gone one step further (above and beyond) in terms of reviewing the information provided to patients off the back of this complaint.
Debbie will receive a special STAR of the Month certificate and voucher from CEO, Matthew Winn.
STAR of the month - May 2025
Congratulations to our STAR of the Month winner for May, Maria Agius, Clinical Support Worker on Alder Ward at Norwich Community Hospital.
Maria was chosen for the award after being nominated for a STAR of Recognition Badge in recognition of going above and beyond, being kind and compassionate whilst consistently delivering the very best patient care.
Colleagues nominating Maria said; "Maria is one of the hardest working people I've ever met. Maria comes into every shift with a smile on her face and does her utmost to strive for our patients on every shift she has. Maria is friendly, approachable and supports the whole team with any tasks that they need. She is an advocate for her patients and always ensures she gives the highest quality of care, under any circumstance.
"When Maria is on shift, you don't even have to question whether your patients are being looked after well, because you know she is there and is working hard with them to get them up and ready for the day and feeling good. When I work with Maria, I recognise that she eases workload and stress with how helpful and assistive she is with all of the staff - you will go to complete a job that you've ran out of time for and Maria has already completed it for you and is coming to give you the result or update.
"Maria is extremely communicative and builds important and professional rapports with the patients, which enhances their experience and allows for better care provision. Maria never lets anything interfere with her drive to look after people and is a wonderful person to be around.
"I'm not sure that she fully comprehends how incredible she is and the difference she makes to both her colleagues and her patients. I can say with confidence that Alder Ward are lucky to have Maria as part of our team, and that each of us feel and reap the benefits of her warming presence, skills and attributes on a daily basis."
Maria will receive a special 'STAR of the Month' certificate and voucher from CEO, Matthew Winn.
Each month, the group executive will select a STAR of the Month from our STAR of Recognition badge winners. This award forms part of NCH&C's new STAR Programme - our 'sharing thanks and recognition' scheme - which rewards outstanding internal achievements.