"Her focus on patient care is truly exceptional" - Radiographer, Monica, thanked by relative for going above and beyond
A Royal Derby Hospital radiographer has received August’s Patient Hero Award for showing kindness and reassurance to a patient and their family at an extremely stressful time.
Monica Thornton, Lead Late Effects Radiographer, was nominated by a lady who was sinking fast, watching the deterioration of her partner’s health, a year after receiving stoma surgery.
The nomination for Monica read: “From my first conversation with Monica Thornton of The Late Effects Team, she was there to dispense so much kindness and reassurance at an extremely stressful time. Monica showed empathy, and her devotion and commitment to patient care was evident from the outset. We no longer felt alone with our problems, Monica listened to Noel and myself and sent us so much helpful reading material and information, she covered absolutely everything, really going that extra mile. Monica has an excellent rapport with both patients and their family, her enthusiasm is admirable, it is evident Monica really does have a passion for her job.
"Monica's care has made a significant difference at a very difficult time for Noel and myself. Her intervention has reinforced collaboration between specialities and has demonstrated a commitment to effective teamwork. Monica's dedication and focus on patient care is truly exceptional, she really is an asset to Royal Derby Hospital and we think she deserves an award for her kindness, empathy, compassion, professionalism, patience, her true commitment to delivering the best personal care and, excellent communication."
Andy Proctor, Director of Quality, Clinical Governance, Risk & Compliance, presented Monica with her award alongside Grace Pearn, Director of Allied Health Professionals.
Grace said: “This nomination shows that you really have gone above and beyond to support this patient and their family – the nomination bought me to tears. It is so special when we get recognised by our patients for the work we do. You have made such an impact om the care and treatment this patient has received. Thank you and well done.”
Upon receiving the award, Monica said: “I’m really appreciative of this award. It’s so important for me and my team that we give our patients a voice and that they are heard. It is great to see our service being recognised for what we do for our patients.”
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 Gavin Boyle
- 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.