Security Officer Kev Bowker is the latest Countess Gem after the Critical Care Outreach team praised him for the way he helped one of their patients.
Kev joined the security team six years ago, having previously worked as a football referee, a bus driver and a taxi driver. Working as part of such a tight-knit unit in the hospital is by far his favourite role, with it being the closest to his childhood dream of being a police officer.
“It’s great working as part of this team. I come in and enjoy my job every single day and go home with a smile,” he said. “This is my favourite job I’ve ever done. I wish I’d started earlier – it’s even coming ahead of football!”
The security team, which comprises of around 10 full time and five bank staff, patrol the site, support clinical staff caring for patients, respond to any car park issues, test panic alarms on a daily basis and provide additional community support overnight.
Speaking to patients is what Kev enjoys most, especially knowing the role he can play in helping patients feel better and relieving pressure on the clinical teams.
Kev said: “I imagine everyone I see is my dad, my mum, my grandad, my grandma, my son or my daughter. This is important because it can be quite distressing for a patient when they come into hospital and you’ve got to treat them with a bit of empathy and sympathy.”
You can read the nomination below to see what Kev’s colleague said about him:
- “I have seen Kev in action a number of times on the ward dealing with difficult situations. One in particular incident prompted me to put this nomination in. There was a patient who was extremely unwell and distressed, but Kev came on to the ward and went into the patient’s room and calmly started to talk to the patient. The patient responded really well to Kev's calming tone of voice. I would like Kev and the security team to know that there good work doesn’t go unnoticed and they are a valuable member of the Countess team.”
(Senior Staff Nurse Sian Roberts)
Kev added: “I see this as recognition for our entire team because we all do the same job. I’m very proud to see our work highlighted in this way and being nominated by other colleagues makes it even more special.”
Director of Nursing & Quality Alison Kelly said: “Our security team do a lot of work that often goes unseen, but they have such an important role to play in us providing high quality care in a safe environment.”
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).