Dermatology Secretary Gill Pickett has been recognised as the next Countess Gem for her years of hard work and dedication before she retires later this year.
Gill, who has worked at The Countess for 14 years, is set to leave in September and although she is looking forward to retirement, she will miss her colleagues.
“It’s really nice to be appreciated but I know a lot of staff at our hospital deserve praise like this,” she said.
“In our team we are really lucky to work with consultants who tell us all the time how much of a difference we are making. They understand our workload and go out of their way to tell us we’re doing a great job.”
Gill added: “Last year they even nominated our team for the national Unsung Hero Awards. We didn’t quite win, but just being put forward like that makes you feel great about the work you do.”
You can read the nominations below to see what Gill’s colleagues said about her:
- “Gill has been our senior dermatology secretary for 14 years. She has a huge amount of work and is frequently rushed off her feet but always seems to keep us somehow out of chaos! She organises the secretarial team and deals with all problems efficiently and sensibly. She is the best secretary I have ever worked with and I would love to see her recognised as a Gem before she retires later this year.”
Dr Andrea Franks - “Gill is an excellent team member and the department will struggle to manage without her.”
Dr Evelyn Davies - “Gill has been a linchpin of the dermatology service for many years making it run smoothly and efficiently whilst looking after the clinicians. She is very knowledgeable in dermatological conditions also. We are very grateful to have her.”
Dr Rhiannon Llewellyn
As part of being named a Countess Gem, every winner is given £125 to spend with the catering department at the hospital. Gill is planning to use the prize to put on a party for her entire team before she retires.
When asked what she plans to do in her retirement, Gill said: “I’m looking forward to doing nothing! I’ve got my house to do up because with working full time you just don’t get round to doing it so I’m looking forward to that. My daughter’s got a dog as well, a cocker spaniel, and he likes to take me for a walk!”
Interim Medical Director Dr Darren Kilroy said: “I’m delighted for Gill that her years of long service have been recognised in this way. You only have to read the nominations from those consultants to realise how invaluable her contribution has been. Gill exemplifies those characteristics of friendly, efficient professionalism that are so very valuable in our key administrative support roles.”
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).