Puffin Ward commended by CEO after heartfelt letter from colleague praising their child's care
The Puffin Ward at our Royal Derby Hospital site were recognised for their exceptional care and compassion after a personal letter was shared with Executive Chief Nurse, Garry Marsh, from the young patient's grateful mother - who is a fellow UHDB colleague.
Suzi Thorpe nominated the team after her 14-year-old daughter was admitted to Puffin Ward in March 2024 with severe pneumonia and pleural effusion which are serious conditions that greatly impact the lungs and needs close monitoring care.
Puffin Ward is a dedicated paediatric inpatient unit that treats children aged 0 to 18 with a range of medical, surgical, and mental health conditions. Their specialised team provides not only expert clinical care but also crucial emotional support for both patients and their families, delivering compassion in the face of challenging health situations.
In the letter to Garry Marsh which led to the nomination, Suzi expressed her gratitude for the kindness and professionalism shown by the team, who cared for her daughter during her two-week stay - highlighting how the staff remained attentive, available, and reassuring at all times.
Suzi added that the team showed "tremendous care and empathy" which made a "worrying" time for both her daughter and her far more "comfortable".
Following the letter, and in recognition of their exceptional care of both Suzi's daughter and all the patients and families who pass through their doors, Puffin Ward was selected for the CEO Making a Difference Award by our Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Posey.
This award is presented to specially-selected individuals or teams by Stephen who have shown extraordinary commitment to patient care and live through our Trust values of compassion, excellence and openness.
The award was presented during a surprise visit to the ward by Will Monaghan, Chief Digital Information Officer at UHDB. Ward Sisters Hannah and Donna, alongside their colleagues, were commended for their remarkable efforts and dedication.
Emma Barnes, Matron for Paediatric Inpatients, praised the Puffin Ward, saying that she was "incredibly proud" of the team. Continuing, she said: "It was amazing to see the team get some recognition from the highest level of our organisation for the work they do so brilliantly every single day.
"Their ability to offer both high-quality medical treatment and emotional support is second-to-none, and is what makes this team so special. For Suzi to find the time to write to the Trust to express her gratitude is a true reflection of their hard work and compassionate care."
Stephen Posey, Chief Executive at UHDB, agreed: "Suzi's letter is a testament to the team's holistic approach to delivering care to our young patients - keeping both her and her daughter informed at every step of the treatment journey in order to make the experience as positive as possible.
"This is just one example of how Puffin Ward have improved the experience for both our patients and their families thanks to their exceptional care. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication during Suzi's daughter's stay demonstrates our UHDB values, and has had such a lasting impact that Suzi wrote to our Chief Nurse to share their thanks."
"Puffin Ward's dedication to their patients and families is truly inspiring. Their kindness, professionalism, and dedication during Suzi's daughter's stay demonstrates the values we hold dear at UHDB - and this is exactly why I was delighted to select them as the winners of the CEO Making a Difference Award."