Congratulations to Suzanne Spence, a healthcare assistant (HCA) in the learning disability service at the Eastfield Clinic in Scarborough who has been presented with a Cavell Star Nursing Award for exceptional care to her colleagues.
Cavell Star Awards are given to nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants across the UK, who show exceptional care to patients, patient families and their colleagues.
Suzanne was nominated for going above and beyond for her colleagues that she works with by volunteering to be the team’s wellbeing champion, despite being very busy as a HCA, training to be a nursing associate and managing her own physical health needs and wellbeing.
“Over the years I have always received support and encouragement from the team and taking up the wellbeing champion role gave me an opportunity to give something back,” said Suzanne.
“Through the pandemic we became isolated and worked through a very stressful time. While studying for my nursing associate role through the apprenticeship programme and working with service users, wellbeing became important to me, and I wanted to encourage everyone that it was ok to look after ourselves while we looked after others.
“Receiving the award was a lovely surprise and made me feel like I had been given a big warm hug from the team, for which I will cherish and be forever grateful.”
Weekend wellbeing walks, virtual quizzes, picnics, coffee and cake breaks, regular team wellbeing check-in emails with light-hearted phrases, interesting facts and funny cartoons are just some of the things Suzanne arranges on a weekly basis to improve everyone’s mood.
She has created a space for staff where library books and hand creams can be placed, along with money off vouchers and discount memberships for staff to get some bargains.
“Suzanne goes above and beyond her role every single day, she is a natural with a caring and empathic nature and supports her colleagues through difficult times,” said Delia Hopkins, team manager.
“Wellbeing is essential to supporting the staff team and meeting the Trust values, Suzanne has been instrumental in supporting the team through her wellbeing champion role, she thoroughly deserves this award.”
We think every team should have a Suzanne! Well done.
