Shared stories and smiles at Trust's second Quarterly Recognition Event

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust was delighted to host the second of its Quarterly Recognition Events in the Oxford Hospitals Education Centre (OxHEC) on Monday 17 February.

Among the invitees were staff nominated for a Quarterly Recognition Award, teams and individuals singled out via our Reporting Excellence programme, and seven OUH employees who had worked for the Trust for over 25 years.

The event was introduced by OUH Deputy Chief Executive Officer Simon Crowther, and OUH Chief People Officer Terry Roberts and Non-Executive Director Paul Dean handed out certificates and gifts to the nominees.

The event was generously supported by Oxford Hospitals Charity, and the charity's CEO Douglas Graham was there to chat to staff over lunch about how the charity could support their services.

Among those honoured for over 25 years' service was Rowena Zenaida Villegas, a Staff Nurse in the Surgical Emergency Unit (SEU).

Rowena was one of a cohort of nurses recruited in the Philippines who joined the Trust together in 1999.

Around two thirds of the group, which included men and women, are still with the Trust 25 years later, many now at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

"We still all stay in touch, and meet up for lunch sometimes," she said, "and our youngest member, who was 23 when we came here, has children at university now!"

Matthew Sisson and Mike Redrup from the Plaster Room Team were among the teams and individuals being recognised under our Reporting Excellence programme. Working closely with consultants and clinicians, the team assesses wounds, determines the best type of cast or splint, and can help some patients avoid the need for surgery by manipulating and supporting injuries appropriately.

"It's a privilege to work here and to be respected for our experience in this area." said Matthew. "The doctors are always very happy to listen to our input, and discuss with us what is achievable for a particular patient."

Nominated for the Quarterly Recognition Award were Ryan Holland, Beverley Edwards, Annamma Augustin and Catherine McNeill.

Annamma, Deputy Sister in our Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU), was nominated by her colleague Laura for her dedication to patient safety, for seeking appropriate clinical advice under pressure and thereby ensuring the safety of patients being transferred from one area to another within the hospital.

"I always ensure my patients can be moved to EAU safely" said Annamma. "Decision-making is an important part of my role, and I will never put my patients at risk."

Health Promotion Practitioner Catherine was nominated by Emma Hagues from the OUH Here for Health team.

"These events are really important, especially when someone has consistently gone above and beyond," said Emma. "When a member of our team was off work unexpectedly, Catherine stepped up to support a project related to active travel and health; she maintained a very high standard despite tight deadlines and never complained - she had it all under control and definitely deserves recognition."

Following the event, Chief People Officer Terry Roberts said:

"Quarterly Recognition Events are a wonderful opportunity for our people to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible contributions of their colleagues and team members as well as celebrate those of us that served the organisation for many years.

"We wholeheartedly encourage all our staff to visit the 'Staff Recognition Hub' within the Culture and Leadership intranet site. It's a fantastic resource where you can find out how to make someone's day a little brighter."

Pictured: attendees and presenters at OxHEC