'Remarkable' Philip Ward's hard work and compassionate care recognised with latest CEO Award
Colleagues and patients alike have heaped praise on Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital's newest ward for the high standards of care provided after opening just 13 weeks ago.
Philip Ward, which opened on 28 November 2022, was opened after just six weeks of planning and preparation work by the team, which was newly formed in itself - bringing together colleagues from different specialities across the Trust - many of which have been offered development opportunities in the process.
Since opening its doors, staff on Philip Ward have cared for 115 patients who have since been discharged home or to their next place of care, with the feedback being received overwhelmingly positive.
As a result of the team's hard work, UHDB's Chief Executive, Stephen Posey, visited to present them with his latest Chief Executive Making a Difference Award.
Amy Reaney, Senior Sister, worked on the ward when she first qualified nine years ago, and was working as a Sister at Samuel Johnson Hospital's Anna Ward before taking the opportunity to lead the team on Philip Ward.
Recap on the opening of Philip Ward at Tamworth's Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital here >
She expressed her delight at how the team has come together and the benefits they're providing for patients: "I really am so very proud of the team for everything it's achieved. We've all come together from different areas of the trust, and we work so well together and that's demonstrated by the great care we’re able to provide for our patients.
"We're now caring for patients from across the Staffordshire region, which shows how much our service has grown in the short time we've been here, and our patients and their families have said some lovely things about their care and the team, which has been so good to hear. To be presented with the CEO Award is amazing - the team thoroughly deserves it."
Jess Knight, Discharge Facilitator, is another member of the team who has taken on a new role after making the switch from working as a Housekeeper on Darwin ward at Lichfield’s Samuel Johnson Community Hospital.
She said: “We’ve all started from scratch on the ward so there’s been lots to learn but I’m loving it, as is everyone else. Everyone is supporting each other so well which is amazing and wider team at Sir Robert Peel have all been really supportive in pushing me to go for this role.
"All of our hard work in getting this ward up and running has been worth it for the care we're able to provide our patients, and to receive this award is a huge honour!”
The ward is home to 24 beds and provides a 'discharge to assess' service, providing patients with the final aspects of care they need to support them to be ready for discharge home or to their next place of care, such as physiotherapy.
Colleagues from Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust (MPFT) are also based on the ward to support patients with social care needs as part of their discharge, and allows patients to receive holistic care outside our acute hospitals, freeing up spaces for patients who do require care in an acute setting. 
When presenting the team with their award, Stephen Posey, Chief Executive, added further praise: "The last time I was here at Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital, this ward was an unused space. What you have all managed to achieve is remarkable, in such a short space of time as well.
"Every member of this team has contributed to your success, as such I would ask that you take a moment to reflect on all that you have achieved for our patients and in support of your colleagues and our system partners, alongside the wonderful feedback you have received from our patients.
"We are all extremely grateful for everything that you have done and that you continue to do."
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.