‘Outstanding and caring leader’ Sarah recognised with Excellent Employee Award
“Devoted” Clinical Nurse Specialist Sarah Balmforth entered the room to a huge round of applause from colleagues, as she was presented with our Monthly Excellent Employee Award for the instrumental role she has played in growing and leading the team at the Pulvertaft Hand Unit at Royal Derby Hospital.
After 39 years of NHS service, Sarah retired earlier this year and has since returned to the department on a part-time basis. Sarah was nominated by a colleague as a thank you for her service, and to recognise her dedication to the Hand Unit.
The nomination read: “Sarah has shown devotion to the diverse range of patients that we treat at the hand unit.
“The team has now grown from four nursing staff to over twenty, which is a testament to Sarah’s style and commitment to patients and to her team, to which she unfailingly presents outstanding and caring leadership daily.”
Some of the improvements Sarah has helped to implement include the introduction of a Nurse Practitioner role within the department, establishing nurse-led clinics, opening a procedure room which enables the unit to perform elective and minor trauma operations, and during the pandemic, developed a seven-day emergency clinics to support the Emergency Department and improve patient flow.
Upon receiving her award, Sarah shared her joy with her colleagues: “I’m speechless! Thank you everyone, it’s been a pleasure to lead this team. I know it will continue to move forward because of all of you. You’re an excellent team and I’m really proud of us and all of the work we have and continue to achieve.”
Sharon Martin, Executive Chief Operating Officer, surprised Sarah with her award, which was presented in front of colleagues from the Hand Unit.
Sharon said: “I’m honoured to present this award to you Sarah. You truly epitomise our values of Compassion, Openness, and Excellence and it’s important that we showcase the exceptional work of our colleagues wherever we can.
“You really deserve this, and you should be very proud to receive this award.”
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know. There are four monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
Team UHDB Award – you can nominate your team or another team
Excellent Employee Award – you can nominate your colleagues
You can send a 300 word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net.