Shortlisted entries in the COVID Hero Award are:
Nick Leeming, Head of Emergency Planning, Trustwide
Nick is described in his nomination as having an ‘unwavering ability to get the job done and sort things out’. During COVID Nick has worked tirelessly, supporting what seems like everything and everyone to ensure our hospitals survive and cope with the pressures of the pandemic.
From being a strong presence in Gold command, to ensuring the safety of staff and patients, to working with procurement and local businesses to organise and distribute donations of PPE, food, care packages and well wishes across the Trust. Nick did it all! His nomination says that he has been an absolutely vital part of our COVID response.
Gemma Smith, ICU Physiotherapist, Lincoln
Gemma’s nomination described her as being pivotal in the Physiotherapy Department and in ICU at Lincoln over the last few years, and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She headed up PPE fit testing therapies staff, and developed an ICU follow up exercise class for patients who had been on ICU at Lincoln and had ongoing strength and exercise tolerance deficit after their critical illness.
At the start of the pandemic, all outpatient activity was stopped, however Gemma was keen not to let the pandemic affect patient care. She adapted and developed the physiotherapy offer, whereby patients were assessed over the phone and provided with all the necessary literature, leaflets and advice to start exercise to improve their condition. Gemma has also been spending time outside of work clearing a garden space for patients next to ICU.
Leanne Belton, Lead Health and Wellbeing Nurse, Pilgrim
Leanne was nominated for all her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic- she set up and managed the swabbing of staff, then antibody testing and finally the vaccine programme. She worked very long hours to ensure the safety and good management of her team. She was extremely welcoming to anyone who was redeployed to help. Her compassion, professionalism, talent and energy was described as second to none. She was defined as, ‘one lady who should be cloned!’
Sam Daniels, Project Manager, Trustwide
Sam has been instrumental in the coordination and planning of the COVID vaccination programme. She worked tirelessly, often seven days a week, to maintain contact and to drive engagement with clinical and non-clinical teams. Through Sam’s engaging leadership style she has created an environment of positive well-being and whole system collaboration. Our hubs were supported by LCHS, LPFT, and ULHT colleagues and received such great feedback, which was testament to the smooth and efficient operations within the Lincoln hub, all led and delivered through Sam’s expert guidance.