Lisa Soden – Unsung Hero Awards

Nomination

Award Category:

Estates & Ancillary

Individual or Team Nomination?

Individual

Qualifying Qualities

In these challenging times, nominators were asked to show how the nominee had demonstrated the following qualities:

Exceptional work ethic - going above and beyond their job description, especially in the past 12 months.
Outstanding achievement/s in work or outside of the organisation where relevant.
Drive for innovation and proactive leadership in these challenging times.
High level of interpersonal skills, such as kindness, empathy, loyalty and thoughtfulness to staff and patients.
A resilience considering Covid to their role and to the health and wellbeing of their colleagues.

Nominators Answer

Nominee's story :

Lisa took on the role of housekeeping manager in November 2019; previously working in our catering department as an administrator, where her organisational skills shone. Managing a large team, Lisa had a steep learning curve to get to grips with a demanding but rewarding job. With no previous experience in the technical side of the role, Lisa had to rely on her sensible approach and people skills to build her knowledge on the go. In March 2020 when the pandemic hit, the role became critical in the Trust response to COVID, with so much changing on site - moving from elective surgery to a trauma centre almost overnight. Lisa's honest, hardworking and down to earth attitude meant that she was able to steer her team through what was a very stormy period. When staff were anxious, she took the time to listen and alleviate their concerns. Where they were worried about changes from PPE requirements to COVID positive patients, she calmly explained processes and supported them every step of the way. Leading from the front, Lisa wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and worked alongside her team, gaining loyalty and respect and acting as advocate for them to ensure they were always kept safe and had their voices heard. Lisa's work ethic in unmatched - she radiates energy and once met, never forgotten! Seniors managers appreciate her drive, colleagues relish in her laughter and her staff respect her dedication. She’s not been afraid to challenge historical practices - refusing to accept the ‘we’ve always done it that way’ response, instead taking the time to learn each task herself and understand if there might be a more efficient way of working. This has often meant taking the time and care to navigate barriers including technology and time, but never giving into any resistance and instead putting her fresh perspective on things. Personally, throughout the year Lisa balanced the demands of her role at all times of day with raising her young daughter. Into the second wave of the pandemic, Lisa sadly lost her own father to COVID. An awful experience for anyone, but Lisa managed to support her family and manage her own grief whilst never once letting her team down. Lisa really has reinvigorated the team, already No. 1 in the country, but with Lisa’s enthusiasm they are ready to take on the world! Phil Davies, Head of Estates & Facilities: Lisa is a fantastic member of the team, she has raised the spirits of her team and the wider Estates and Facilities team in the building, which has been such a help during challenging time. It is her style of leadership, that brings along others with her to go the extra mile, which I know will have played a part in the Trust receiving the best hospital cleaning feedback in the country, via the national CQC inpatient survey. We are all here to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients, so we rightly take pride in Lisa and the service she delivers.