News

Today marks Nursing Support Workers Day, and we are delighted to announce that 2 of the Trust’s healthcare support workers have been given national awards.

Zina Haimotu and Lauren Dombrick from St Austell Community Hospital were presented with Chief Nursing Officer Healthcare Support Workers Awards this week.

They received a surprise visit from Ed Cox of NHS England, who read out the moving nominations from their colleagues.

Zina was nominated by senior staff nurse, Stacie May.

"Zina’s potential for development was evident from the very first day she started here.

“Zina consistently demonstrates a high level of care with each patient. She is often the person we go to for information on patients and their visitors.

“Zina has played a huge part in developing our use of the ‘This Is Me’ records that we use on the wards. These documents aim to ensure that we provide personal attentive care and also how we can improve their care.

“Her awareness of every aspect of care, from moving and handling, to dietary requirements, is exemplary.

“Zina can fulfil her everyday role as healthcare assistant, while showing a keenness to develop in any way she can.

“Zina is a real inspiration to her patients and her colleagues. We are consistently receiving positive feedback about her from all team members.

“I can honestly say that we have seen a real improvement in patient care since Zina joined us. She is a great role model to all of our health care assistants and student nurses.” Stacie May

Lauren was nominated by senior staff nurse, Annie Dyson. Annie’s nomination read:

“The term compassion is something Lauren encapsulates. Not just for the patients in her care but their loved ones and also her colleagues. Her outstanding level of care is consistent as she demonstrates the values of our ward. On the Harold White ward, we strive for excellent patient care and Lauren meets this daily.

“Lauren has this magical skill of understanding each patient and their emotional and physical needs. She reads an atmosphere and provides the patient with whatever it is that would improve their day.

“I consider Lauren to be one of the most professional, kind, and genuine people I have every come across. I have seen Lauren comfort her colleagues when needed and if there is a challenge in another bay Lauren will be the one to step forward and provide that calm element while achieving the goal of making sure everybody is safe and happy.

“We do have some patients with challenging behaviours and I often delegate their care to Lauren, particularly if they have cognitive issues such as dementia. I sometimes get quite emotional watching Lauren with patients that are struggling psychologically. She has the power of turning that emotion into a positive thing and building that rapport, which their families find reassuring.”

Zina admitted the award had come as a complete surprise after she was asked to come into work on her day off.

“I am honoured to receive this award. It’s a big surprise. The ward sister asked me if I was available on Monday. It’s my day off but I said yes. I thought I was in trouble, but she said ‘no, you’re not in trouble!’

“I am not very good at receiving praise, so today I was gobsmacked. Coming into work and giving that care to our patients, it is very rewarding to know that we recognised.

“I love interacting with patients and working really well with our team. It’s a lovely feeling to help. Giving that extra care and seeing patients go home with happiness makes me happy.”

Lauren was also in complete shock after she was presented with her award.

“It was a surprise; I was not expecting it at all. I’m very honoured and emotional.

“I think when you’re doing your normal day-to-day job you do not realise what people are thinking of you.

“It was amazing to hear (the nomination). I love interacting with the patients, getting to know them and hearing their stories. A lot of the patients are elderly so hear about their stories from the past, their family stories. I just enjoy making their days better in any way I can really. I’ve always wanted to look after people.”