'Exceptional’ Oncology doctor is hailed a ‘shining example of humanity’ by patient’s family for guiding them through cancer diagnosis
A 'humble' doctor who helped a patient recently diagnosed with cancer, has been recognised with a Patient Hero award for their compassion and making a significant impact to the patient and his family during their time at the Trust.
The family of the patient, who wished to remain anonymous, nominated Dr Seetha Mohandas, a Clinical Oncology Speciality Doctor, after being moved by the ongoing support and attentive care she displayed to the patient during their oncology appointments.
The Patient Hero Award is part of the Trust's Making a Difference Awards, which recognises individuals and teams providing exceptional care and making a real difference to the experience of patients and families during their time with us.
The patient's daughter said it was a very challenging time for her family as the illness was very unexpected and because her father is an elderly man from an ethnic minority background, it can be difficult for him to understand complex information about his health, diagnosis, and treatments.
But following his appointments with Dr Mohandas, she said her father always felt better and reassured that he understood what the next steps would be in his cancer journey.
She added: “Dr Mohandas demonstrated an exceptional level of compassionate care that only gifted, and truly exceptional doctors possess, with her smile and open approach to my father's questions regarding his care. Her knowledge, humanity and humble qualities is what positively impacts patient experience which is important to see health improvement in patients.
“From the bottom of all of our hearts - thank you so very much Dr Mohandas. Your humanity is a shining example to us all.”
Amanda Rawlings, Executive Chief People Officer, presented Seetha with the award, who was joined by colleagues from her department. She said it was clear to see that the whole team valued Dr Mohandas’ kindness and were delighted to see their colleague named ‘Patient Hero.’
Amanda said: “This touching nomination shows just what a difference Seetha has made to this patient and his whole family at a time of worry and uncertainty. The way Seetha compassionately guided this man from diagnosis to treatment, answering his questions and being both empathetic and open, really demonstrated our core values.
“On behalf of myself and the Trust and your patients, thank you for doing what you do.”
Dr Mohandas, who is based at Royal Derby Hospital, said the award was unexpected but she is proud to have had a positive impact on a patient during a difficult time.
She said: “It is a lovely surprise. I don’t think I did anything special, I was just doing my job. But it is nice to know that I was able to comfort that patient and reassure his family that we would do our utmost best to give him exceptional care during his cancer journey and to explain things so he knew what to expect and feel supported by us. "
Would you like to 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.
Our Monthly Making a Difference Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional care and who have delivered improvements across safety, quality, effectiveness and patient experience and demonstrated the Trust values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence.
To nominate for the Patient Hero Award please 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