Ward 43 is the latest Countess Gem of the Month winner after staff went over and above to deal with intense pressures.
Deputy Ward Manager Naomi Potts put her entire team forward as a Countess Gem, highlighting the extra workload they have taken on to deal with staff shortages to continue providing safe, kind and effective care.
Speaking on behalf of the Ward 43 team, which takes care of patients with critical illnesses, undergoing chemotherapy and diabetic regimes, Staff Nurse Yvonne Gregory said: “We’re absolutely chuffed to pieces to be named Countess Gem of the month. I’ve worked on this ward for about 14 years and it really is a special environment. We all pull together, support one another and it is a brilliant ward.”
Naomi’s nomination for Ward 43 is below:
Deputy Ward Manager Naomi Potts said: “I believe that recently staff have been under enormous pressure, but they always maintain professionalism and will go above and beyond what is expected of them at all times. They show the care and compassion towards patients and their families which is exemplary to the Trust. Ward 43 has an excellent, hardworking reputation and is often the ward a lot of patients chose to spend their final days due to the rapport built up with families. As you can imagine this ward is extremely busy with highly-skilled individuals. I believe now is the time more than ever, for recognition to be acknowledged by the trust- not just for an individual, but for the TEAM.”
Director of Nursing and Quality Alison Kelly said: “We are very lucky to have dedicated and compassionate teams going above and beyond for our patients throughout The Countess. Naomi and the team on Ward 43 are a shining example of that and I’m delighted to see them as a worthy winner this month.”
About Countess Gems
‘Countess Gems’ are a monthly recognition awards scheme at the Countess of Chester Hospital, with members of staff nominating colleagues who they think deserve special praise. Every person/team nominated officially becomes a ‘Countess Gem’ with a certificate. Once a month the leadership group reviews all the nominations and selects an overall winner. This team/individual will then receive £125 to spend with in-house Catering Services to celebrate. The Countess Gems awards are funded through donations from patients and families in thanks for the care they have received (charitable funds).