NELFT Communications Team – Unsung Hero Awards

Nomination

Award Category:

Corporate Services

Individual or Team Nomination?

Team

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 :

I am writing to nominate the Communication Team for the Corporate Services Award in recognition of their exceptional efforts in navigating challenging circumstances while adapting to a new chair and CEO within the span of a year. The team faced a formidable task dealing with a corporate manslaughter case (only the second in NHS History) and various inquests that significantly impacted the morale of the Trust. In response, the Communication Team displayed extraordinary resilience and creativity by introducing the "Send a Star" function on the staff intranet. This initiative has allowed staff to uplift each other by sending stars for various occasions such as expressions of gratitude, welcoming new members, congratulating achievements, celebrating birthdays and work anniversaries, acknowledging the embodiment of organisational values, and sending festive stars for special occasions like Christmas. Since its launch on September 25th 2023, over a thousand stars have been sent to date (12/12/23), fostering a positive and appreciative atmosphere across the Trust. Staff members have reported increased enjoyment and morale, with the initiative being acknowledged by the board as a successful morale-boosting strategy. The Communication Team has gone above and beyond by organising weekly all-staff webinars, where speakers from various departments address questions from staff members. The team manages questions ranging from daily concerns like parking to more complex issues such as inquests and international conflicts. The open and supportive culture created by the Communication Team has facilitated transparent communication, even during challenging times. Additionally, the team played a pivotal role in the Trust's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organising and promoting two memorial events for patients and staff. Notably, the Brentwood COVID memorial (04/12/23), attended by the local MP and Mayor, which included the planting of a cherry tree, showcased the team's commitment to honouring and remembering those affected. The team also organised an event where a commemorative artwork was unveiled, capturing the attention of local press and involving families and loved ones. https://youtu.be/75KtvmXQoPI In a proactive effort to support the local community, the Communication Team seized opportunities beyond the care setting. During A-Level results day, the team collaborated with BBC Radio Kent to feature a mental health expert on their breakfast show, providing valuable support and tips for parents and students while emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues early. Furthermore, the team's Channel 4 news interview, with NELFT’s new CEO, on the struggles of mental health capacity and its impacts on local A&E highlighted their dedication to addressing critical issues and advocating for the well-being of the community. https://www.channel4.com/news/mental-health-crisis-patients-left-for-days-in-ae-as-hospitals-struggle-to-cope The Communication Team's unwavering dedication, innovative initiatives, and proactive community engagement make them truly deserving of this award. Their positive impact on morale, communication, and community well-being is a testament to their exceptional teamwork and commitment to the values of the Trust.