News and events

Personal Touch Award Individual Winner

John Bowers-Lewis is a Staff Nurse on Ward 37 (Intensive Critical Care Unit) at Freeman Hospital

John's nomination says that he went above and beyond' to ensure that a patient receiving end of life care on Ward 37 (ITU) at the Freeman Hospital was safely transferred over' to a ward at North Tyneside General Hospital. This was at the request of the family as the patient's husband was an inpatient at that hospital.

The lady's medical needs were very complex, making the transfer a challenge. However, staff from the receiving ward said that the transfer was made entirely smooth thanks to the efforts of John and colleagues from Ward 37.

The patient arrived on the ward with John escorting to ensure symptoms were managed throughout and until the receiving ward could put up their own infusions. The patient's husband was able to spend very special time with his wife before being taken to theatre for his procedure.

The receiving ward described John as going the extra mile and that although the transfer was complex, it was done very well with constant communication between the two hospitals to achieve the best outcome for this patient and their family. This demonstrates the importance of listening to the wishes and preferences of patients and families, and that our staff really do work with the 'One Chance To Get it Right' guidance embedded in their practice.

It also demonstrated the need to act fast and to communicate closely with other organisations in order to get the best outcome for patients and their families. A big thank you to all of the staff on Ward 37, with a special thanks to John on behalf of the Specialist Palliative Care Team and North Tyneside General Hospital.

Personal Touch Award Individual Winner

Graham Jackson, Consultant Haematologist at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Freeman Hospital

Dr Jackson received a nomination from one of his patients. "Following diagnosis of leukaemia in December 2015, I have received treatment from the Haematology Unit at the NCCC. The team providing my treatment are some of the most caring, skillful and dedicated people I have
ever met.

"Professor Graham Jackson is responsible for establishing and developing this team. In our meetings, Graham has always been very honest and direct regarding my disease and prognoses, and although this has been daunting, both he and his team have been able to provide me and my family with the appropriate care and emotional support. Graham leads by example.

"My treatment has involved the administration of chemotherapy drugs via a lumbar puncture. On occasion, this procedure has been undertaken by a junior doctor under Graham’s supervision. Whilst keeping careful watch over his charge, he has engaged me in conversation to distract and allay any anxiety. With respect to going that extra mile, in recent weeks my condition has relapsed and is now considered terminal.

"My life expectancy is considered to be a matter of weeks. I told Graham that I was trying to prepare details of my life that my wife could employ for a eulogy at the appropriate time. Graham has kindly written and sent a passage for use in this manner that has made my wife cry and which she will treasure forever. A piece of literature - demonstrating another talent of this kind and considerate man.

"He is a remarkable physician who has developed a wonderful team who are very much appreciated by their patients for the skill and care they provide."

Personal Touch Award Individual Winner

Graham Jackson, Consultant Haematologist at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Freeman Hospital

Dr Jackson received a nomination from one of his patients. "Following diagnosis of leukaemia in December 2015, I have received treatment from the Haematology Unit at the NCCC. The team providing my treatment are some of the most caring, skillful and dedicated people I have
ever met.

"Professor Graham Jackson is responsible for establishing and developing this team. In our meetings, Graham has always been very honest and direct regarding my disease and prognoses, and although this has been daunting, both he and his team have been able to provide me and my family with the appropriate care and emotional support. Graham leads by example.

"My treatment has involved the administration of chemotherapy drugs via a lumbar puncture. On occasion, this procedure has been undertaken by a junior doctor under Graham’s supervision. Whilst keeping careful watch over his charge, he has engaged me in conversation to distract and allay any anxiety. With respect to going that extra mile, in recent weeks my condition has relapsed and is now considered terminal.

"My life expectancy is considered to be a matter of weeks. I told Graham that I was trying to prepare details of my life that my wife could employ for a eulogy at the appropriate time. Graham has kindly written and sent a passage for use in this manner that has made my wife cry and which she will treasure forever. A piece of literature - demonstrating another talent of this kind and considerate man.

"He is a remarkable physician who has developed a wonderful team who are very much appreciated by their patients for the skill and care they provide."

Personal Touch Award Team Winner

Radiology Team, Dental Hospital

The Radiology Team were nominated for collectively helping a patient who came into the department with an upset baby.

The nomination says:  "Arriving at the CT department with a screaming baby (having initially planned not to bring my child), I was stressed and slightly embarrassed. Immediately the lovely ladies on reception strived to help make the whole process a little easier for me. They reassured me that they had all ‘been there’ with children and totally understood.

"One lady showed me to the waiting area and tried to calmly speak to my baby and provided some stickers to see if she would settle, which really touched me. I think she then informed the gentleman who was performing the scan of the situation, who then took me for my scan slightly earlier than scheduled (luckily there were few patients waiting at this particular time).

"He was fantastic and also said he knew what it was like, having a young child himself. I was particularly impressed with the way these members of staff dealt with my situation and did everything they possibly could to ensure a seamless service was provided holistically. They deserve to know how fantastic they really are, and I will remember the great care and empathy they demonstrated."

Congratulations to all our quarter 3 winners.