OH Nurse Fiona recognised for compassionate leadership after having an "indescribable impact"
A Clinical Nurse Specialist working in Occupational Health has been praised for the "indescribable" impact she had on a colleague which helped them to rediscover their passion for nursing.
Fiona Calladine, who is based at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital in Derby, has been working closely with Louise Rayner, a Registered Nurse in Occupational Health, to support her in settling into her new position in the team.
Louise lives with some long-term health conditions which have provided challenges for her during her career, but Fiona's compassionate leadership, invaluable support and mentoring have enabled Louise to fully settle into what she describes as her "dream role".
Such was the impact of Fiona's unwavering support, Louise nominated her for our Excellent Employee Monthly Making a Difference Award. Our judging panel chose Fiona as our latest winner and she was presented with her award in front of her colleagues by UHDB's Chair, Dr Kathy McLean MBE.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Fiona spoke about her personal pride in making a difference to colleagues, increasing their confidence and contributing to them being a valued team member at the Trust.
She said: "I feel a bit overwhelmed to win the award as it is a complete surprise! However, it feels so amazing to be recognised for your work and support you give to colleagues - and I'm so proud knowing I've supported Louise to the point she wanted to show this level of gratitude.
"This is part of what makes UHDB a great place to work. If you're thinking about nominating a colleague for a Making a Difference Award, it's a great way to give recognition to their work, skills and approach - and makes them feel valued in all that they do."
Louise, who has been working at UHDB for over 18 years in different departments, heaped praise on Fiona and said she feels constantly encouraged and supported to develop in the role.
She continued: "My self-confidence was a bit knocked before, and I struggled to manage my anxiety at times, but I feel like I've turned a new leaf thanks in no small part to Fiona. It is like I have found my role as a nurse again, and I'm happier at work and at home too.
"I have so much to thank Fiona for. She is knowledgeable, supportive, and her expertise is indescribable. I don't know how it's possible to thank her enough for turning things around for me. I'm so happy she has won this award - I know it means a lot for her to be recognised for what she does in her role.
"There are so many opportunities for nurses at UHDB, and I hope anyone with any health conditions or Disabilities reads this and knows they can still become a valued member of #TeamUHDB. With the right support and mentoring, which I've had from Fiona, anything is possible and you can achieve your dreams."
Dr Kathy McLean spoke of the 'privilege' she felt in presenting Fiona with her award, adding her thanks for the service she provides to her colleagues:
"The team provides a vital service to our workforce, and it's nice to see how they clearly support each other too.
"Compassionate and supportive leadership helps make UHDB what it is. Staff feeling valued and accepted by their colleagues is the hallmark of a healthy workplace environment where we are enabled to deliver work effectively - and in our organisation, exceptional patient care.
"Hearing from Louise the positive impact that Fiona's leadership qualities have had on her has been inspirational. I know that across the Trust, colleagues do all they can to ensure that we all come into work every day feeling happy and supported to do our jobs effectively."
Nominate a colleague for a Monthly Making a Difference 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.