National award for KGH team's Covid response
The Ophthalmology team at Kettering General Hospital has won a national award for its flexibility and unstinting dedication to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The team – which has 54 staff – has won a national Cavell Star Award after being nominated by Matron for Surgical Services, Arnold Aguilar.
He nominated them for the way for the way in which they readily agreed to be redeployed to front line services like intensive care, infection control and other wards to support the hospital’s response against coronavirus.
Mr Aguilar said: “I nominated the team during the start of COVID when most of them, about 80% of them, were redeployed to various wards or departments across the Trust with no hesitation and no complaints.
“I was so impressed with their compassion and cooperation in supporting other wards – such as the intensive care unit - in need of additional staff.
“I am delighted that they have won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for their patients and colleagues.”
The Trust’s ophthalomology service – which treats thousands of patients with all kinds of eye problems each year – has continued to provide an emergency service during the pandemic but much of its routine work has needed to be paused, enabling staff to be redeployed to other areas.
Paul Steiner is communications manager with the Cavell Nurses’ Trust – a national organisation set up after the First World War in memory of Edith Cavell, an English nurse who saved the lives of many soldiers – of both sides.
The organisation supports nurses in times of difficulty and awards its Cavell Star Awards to individuals and teams who shine bright and show exceptional care to patients, families and colleagues. https://www.cavellnursestrust.org/
He said: “Thank you for your nomination for your colleagues in the Ophthalmology team to win a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for their patients.
“They have been such an important part of the Covid-19 response so far at Kettering General Hospital. What amazing people to have as colleagues!
“They are worthy winners for their dedication to provide the best care for patients at this distressing time under huge pressures.
“We are delighted to send you a Cavell Star medal pack to present to the team.”
Kettering General Hospital’s Director of Nursing and Quality, Leanne Hackshall, said: “I am delighted the Ophthalmology Team has won this award. I congratulate them all for the way in which they have supported the Trust’s coronavirus response through redeployment and by keeping our emergency ophthalmology service running.
“I would also like to thank all of Kettering General Hospital’s amazing nursing team for the tremendous way they have responded to the challenge of the pandemic.
“Many have been redeployed to support other wards or faced considerable challenges and new ways of working during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am proud of them all.”