The CEO's Dedication and Achievement Award Winner: Linda Vardon
The award recognises outstanding contributions made by staff who have served more than 15 years at the Trust.
Linda has been with us for more than 30 years; many of which were as a healthcare assistant although she is now the activity coordinator for older adults on Beaconsfield Ward.
The ward receives patients who have significantly increased care needs since admission, to provide a period of rehab in order to progress their functional independence before returning home.
It just gets better and better!
"I really enjoy doing my job," said Linda. "I like interacting with the patients and staff. I have been in here many years and it just gets better and better as far as the connection I have goes with the patients.
"I have discovered a talent in hairdressing too - which I didn't think I had - and that has been quite popular."
She added: "I was really pleased about the nomination. I don't need it though as seeing the patients happy is enough."
Nominator Anna Smith said Lin has a 'gifted ability' when it comes to connecting with her patients and said when they do leave the Ward, they feel 'like a million dollars.'
Lin is dedicated to delivering excellent person-centred care and is an asset to this Trust
"Lin goes above and beyond with every person," wrote Anna.
"When I asked her to help to shave an older unkempt gentleman on the ward, he will get not only a shave, but a haircut, manicure, foot bath, and then a soak in the shower and dressed in new clothes the following day.
"When patients come away from spending time with her, they look and feel a million dollars compared to how they were initially presented. It impacts their mood, motivation for therapy, trust and rapport with the team, and generally makes a huge difference to their hospital stay.
"Lin is dedicated to delivering excellent person-centred care and is an asset to this Trust.
"Lin cares for patients with compassion and empathy, treating them with dignity and respect, particularly important for vulnerable older patients who are so often presented in hospital after years of self-neglect and social isolation.
She sees the person, not the dementia or any other condition
"They are frail and often confused, finding themselves in a busy and unfamiliar place, restricted to one chair in one bed space, with new people asking many questions a number of times each day.
"Sometimes they can display behaviour of unmet needs and Lin will always seek to understand the person, build trust and rapport. She sees the person, not the dementia or any other condition.
Lin has a gifted ability in building positive relationships
"She takes time to ask them about their past, their families, their work, things that they are proud to share, which most importantly ties in to understanding their wishes and choices today.
"These are often people who have served their country in war and have experienced great hardships, and Lin has a gifted ability in building positive relationships with them."