ACP was 'everything a leader should be' when colleague suffered loss
Trigger warning: the below story contains references to baby loss
An ACP who supported a colleague through a difficult loss has been hailed "a joy to work with" and "everything a leader should be."
Matthew Fowler, Advanced Clinical Practitioner in CTAU/Oncology at Royal Derby Hospital has been praised by his colleague Emily Parr, Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, after offering unwavering support when she lost her unborn baby last year.
Emily said the loss has had a lasting impact on her but she was lucky to receive the support of Matthew which she says made a big difference. Instead of feeling pressured to return to work, she said Matthew showed "genuine compassion and care" to herself and her partner when they needed it most.
Emily said: "It's hard to summarise the impact that Matt's support and leadership has had for me and my partner over the last 3 months. We sadly lost our unborn baby in August last year, which resulted in me also nearly losing my life and now suffering from the psychological impact.
"It's easy as nurses to put pressure on ourselves to return to work as quickly as possible, for fear of letting down our colleagues and patients. However, Matt from day one has put me at ease and offered unwavering support to myself and my partner whilst remaining professional and has gone out of his way to ensure that I have a structured, supportive return to work."
To help Emily, Matthew made referrals and sought alternative support on her behalf which led to her feeling reassured about work.
She said: "There can be an expectation that being at work is the number one priority but Matt is a leader who genuinely cares about the people he leads, he has impact with his words and actions that leads to others feeling inspired and following his example, and ultimately becoming better for it. He is a joy to work with and I am a better person because of him.
"He is everything a leader should be, and UHDB and our patients are lucky to have someone who personifies the values of the Trust."
To thank Matt and recognise his compassion, Emily nominated him for a Making a Difference Award, which saw him named winner of the Excellent Employee category.
He was presented with the award by Mike Goodwin, Divisional Director of Cancer, Diagnostics & Clinical Support, alongside Duncan Cameron, General Manager and Sue Chambers, Divisional Nurse Director.
Mike said Matt is "a great clinician and a wonderful person to work with."
He said: "This nomination is really special, as it recognises and celebrates the empathy you have shown and the genuine care you have for everybody that you work with. The way you lead is inspiring and you are not only a humble and thoughtful individual, but also a great clinician and a wonderful person to work with.
"This is a fantastic award and is very well deserved."
Matthew said he was overwhelmed to receive the award.
He said: "I feel really lucky to work in this team and there is nowhere else I would rather work. It is so important we look after and care for our people and I am surprised but incredibly grateful for this lovely award."