winners and commendations...date of preparation: december 2016. ophthalmology honours is an...

UKEYL06160038afDate of preparation: December 2016

Ophthalmology Honours is an educational initiative fully funded by Bayer.The judging process is carried out by a panel of independent judges and is wholly independent of Bayer.

Royal College of Surgeons, LondonThursday 1st December 2016

2016WINNERS ANDCOMMENDATIONS

2

Ophthalmology Honours 2016

Welcome 3

Steering committee 4

The ceremony host 5

Additional judges 6

Best ophthalmology team 8

Judges’ special awards 10

Best patient support or education initiative 12

Best ophthalmology care innovation 14

Outstanding ophthalmology nurse or allied health professional 15

Ophthalmology unsung hero 18

Contents

3


Welcome to Bayer’s awards programme, the Ophthalmology Honours. These awards recognise and celebrate, on an annual basis, the outstanding work being carried out by multi-disciplinary teams in ophthalmology throughout the UK. The awards identify exceptional initiatives that demonstrate clinical excellence and innovation in ophthalmology, and recognise exceptional individuals who improve the quality of care provided to patients and the patient experience.

Welcome

The Ophthalmology Honours reflects the mission of Bayer, a leader in medical retina, to support science for better lives by improving patient outcomes and showcasing the very best ophthalmology care in the UK. Supported by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Visionary, this awards programme demonstrates the commitment of Bayer to support the implementation of good practice in the NHS; resulting in tangible benefits for patients and advancements in ophthalmology care in terms of multi-disciplinary and innovative working.

The Ophthalmology Honours is part of the Bayer Ophthalmology

Masterclass programme, which aims to deliver high-quality and valued educational support initiatives for the ophthalmology community.

Bayer is committed to delivering the Ophthalmology Honours programme in order to continue to recognise the outstanding work being carried out by multi-disciplinary teams in ophthalmology throughout the UK. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of next year’s awards programme. The 2017 awards programme will be open for entry on Monday 24th April 2017 and the entry deadline will be Friday 18th August 2017.

For more details please visit www.ophthalmologyhonours.bayer.co.uk/

These awards are organised and funded by Bayerand supported by the RNIB and Visionary

4


The development of the Ophthalmology Honours was guided by a steering committee of experts including Consultant Ophthalmologists, Specialist Nurses and a representative from the RNIB.

Steering committee

Clare Bailey Consultant in Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye HospitalClare has been a Consultant Ophthalmologist at Bristol Eye Hospital since 2001, with a special interest in medical retinal disorders. She undertook her medical degrees at Cambridge and Oxford Universities and worked in general medicine prior to commencing ophthalmology. Her MD thesis concerned treatment for diabetic retinopathy. Prior to taking up her consultant post she undertook a medical retina fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital. She is Clinical Director of the Retinal Treatment and Research Unit at Bristol Eye Hospital, and has been a principal investigator on numerous trials concerning age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular disorders, publishing widely in these areas. She is also joint clinical lead of Bristol Eye Hospital.

Helen Devonport Consultant in Ophthalmology, Bradford Royal Infirmary Helen is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, specialising in medical retina and uveitis at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She graduated from Southampton University Medical School. Helen completed her ophthalmic training in the Yorkshire Deanery, followed by a further 10 months of advanced subspecialty training in uveitis and medical retina before taking up her current post in 2005. She is the lead for the Macular Service and the Uveitis Service in Bradford and is involved in clinical research in medical retina and uveitis.

Stevie Johnson Clinical Lead, RNIB Evidence and Service ImpactStevie is a member of the Evidence and Service Impact team for the RNIB, working to improve the quality and impact of service for people affected by sight loss. She and her team design effective, evidence-based practice, offer professional development programmes and practical support for regional or country service delivery teams and UK-wide services. Before joining the RNIB, Stevie worked as an Orthoptist and Low Vision Therapist in the North of England.

Jenny Nosek Ophthalmic Advanced Nurse Specialist, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS TrustJenny commenced her nursing career in 1975 as a pre-reg ophthalmic student at Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary. She went on to complete her RGN and worked for a number of years in general surgery returning to ‘her first love’, ophthalmology in 1988. Jenny completed her master’s degree at Birmingham University in 1995 and has since continued to work in ophthalmology both commercially and in the NHS, specialising in the care of patients suffering with macular pathology. Jenny has a keen interest in developing nursing services and has published several papers relating to evidence-based nursing practice in ophthalmology.

5


The ceremony hostThe Ophthalmology Honours ceremony was hosted by Paralympian and former world record holder, Danny Crates.

Danny had a promising rugby career, playing at both regional and county level, before he suffered an accident and lost his right arm at the age of 21. Danny moved into Paralympic sport and quickly began to dominate. As a natural sprinter, he soon found that he was competing with the best in the world in the arm amputee class.

In the 1998 World Championships, Danny made his international debut and reached the 400m final and won a silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay, breaking the European record. Danny later famously won gold in the men’s 800 metres T46 final at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, a year which also saw him set a new world record.

When injury forced Danny to retire from athletics he did so as a Paralympic Champion, European Paralympic Champion, Paralympic World Cup winner and Paralympic world record holder with eleven international medals, eight of them gold, to his name.

6


Although funded and facilitated by Bayer, the awards were independently judged by experts in ophthalmology care, including the steering committee and additional representatives to ensure a multi-disciplinary panel; with the decision-making process wholly independent of Bayer.

Additional judges

Augusto Azuara-Blanco Professor of Ophthalmology, Queen’s University BelfastAugusto’s academic career has focused on improving patient outcomes and investigating the effectiveness and safety of new technologies particularly in glaucoma, AMD and diabetic retinopathy. Augusto has published over 140 peer-reviewed papers, 17 book chapters and edited three books. He has raised over £8 million in research grant funding, mainly from the National Institute for Health Research, as Principal Investigator or co-applicant. Augusto is a member of the editorial board of five specialist journals, including the Cochrane Eye and Vision Group and is a member of the executive committee of the European Glaucoma Society. He was also 2012 Chair of the UK and Eire Glaucoma Society.

Usha Chakravarthy Professor of Ophthalmology, Queen’s University BelfastUsha has a varied portfolio of research interests and is recognised internationally for her work on age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Usha has in excess of 300 publications, has been on the editorial board of several national and international journals and is a member of the oversight committee for JAMA ophthalmology. She was chairperson of the ophthalmology specialty group for UKCRN and is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Academic Group. On an international level, Usha is on the advisory panel for the AMD alliance, Laskar Foundation, the credentials and scientific committee of the Macula Society and the awards committee for the Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology. She is also a member of the scientific panel for German Medical Research Council and the Australian Health Foundation.

Valerie Haylor Associate Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam UniversityValerie qualified as a pharmacist in 1972 after graduating from Brighton School of Pharmacy and completing training at the Royal London Hospital. As a Clinical Pharmacist for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals since 1982, she was then appointed Directorate Pharmacist for Ophthalmology in 1996 and has since qualified as a prescriber. Valerie is a member, and former Chair, of the Ophthalmic Pharmacy Group and a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. As a Principal Pharmacist she worked with Bradford University supporting post graduate education and training of pharmacists. She currently works at Sheffield Hallam University developing a newly accredited Prescribing Course for pharmacists.

7


Alison Oliver Chief Executive Officer, Visionary Alison is the CEO of Visionary, the membership organisation for local sight loss charities across the UK. As part of this role Alison sits on the UK Vision Strategy Leadership Group and represents local organisations in national sector discussions. Prior to joining Visionary, Alison was the Interim Director of Resources at Thomas Pocklington Trust where she led a number of internal sight loss sector related projects. Before joining Thomas Pocklington Trust, Alison combined her professional management roles with volunteering and a trustee role at a local disability charity. She is also a trustee of a local sight loss charity, South East London Vision. Alison, who is a qualified chartered accountant, worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a director in the Banking and Capital Markets Risk Management team and subsequently took on the role of Finance Director at a commercial property investment group, before joining the voluntary sector in 2014.

Roshini Sanders Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Edinburgh and Consultant in Ophthalmology, Queen Margaret Hospital, DunfermlineRoshini is a regional trainer for glaucoma in South-East Scotland, secretary of the Scottish Glaucoma Club, chief organiser of the Scottish Glaucoma Symposium and co-founder of the glaucoma surgery wet lab at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. She is currently National Clinical Lead for the Scottish Eyecare Integration Project, Chair of SIGN guidelines for glaucoma and Ophthalmology Advisor to NHS Scotland. She is also the Scottish Ophthalmology Speciality Lead for research (CMO office) and co-director of the University of Edinburgh MSc in Clinical Ophthalmology. Roshini has a keen interest in the prevention of unnecessary visual impairment, service redesign and electronic communication and has several research papers in these fields.

8


Teamwork is critical in the delivery of high-quality ophthalmology care. A healthcare system that supports effective teamwork can improve the quality of patient care, enhance patient safety and reduce workload and capacity issues that cause unnecessary stress among healthcare professionals and patients. In judging this award the panel were looking for an ophthalmology team delivering exceptional results by working together to achieve goals.

Best ophthalmology team

The glaucoma multi-disciplinary team at this centre was struggling to meet the needs of patients. Therefore in September 2014 drivers for change were identified. The aim was to offer Clinical Commissioning Groups a cost effective, streamlined service with improved governance and reduced isolated decision-making and to offer patients a more positive experience.

The results achieved within one year were remarkable. The “Can Do” attitude adopted completely galvanised the team and their approach across all aspects of patient care completely redefined the patient journey. The judges congratulated the team for a major improvement and such a refreshing and successful effort, with several judges inspired to implement changes at their own centres.

Judges’ comment: “This entry had clear objectives, a well laid out plan and clear results achieved through teamwork – a lot has been achieved in a year. There was an excellent team effort at all levels and across departments. The results were exceptional and brought about wide-reaching changes.”

Making a Difference for Glaucoma Patients: A ‘Can Do’ Approach

WINNER Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

9


Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease that affects infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation or weighing less than 1500g at birth. Screening and prompt treatment has a huge effect on the quality-adjusted life years of those affected. Manchester Royal Eye Hospital has a unique team offering a first-rate service to premature infants and their families. The team is run day-to-day by four full time neonatal nurses who screen approximately 150 infants a year, with an additional 50 referred from

other units for second opinions. A recent audit of 50 consecutive screens undertaken at the unit demonstrated that the nurse screeners produce high quality gradable images in 100% of cases. The active surveillance of at risk babies in the region has resulted in the identification of babies who would have missed screening. Due to this dedication, the sight of three infants has been saved in the last three years. The judges’ felt that the initiative should be replicated in other neonatal units across the UK.

Judges’ comment: “This is clearly a very dedicated team who

provided a good solution to ROP screening and

reduced adverse outcomes as a result. The entry also

demonstrated a good use of telemedicine. It had clearly

defined goals and well thought out actions. This

team is small but effective with a flexible approach and has achieved a lot,

including the delivery of an excellent standard of care.”

Central Manchester Foundation Trust Retinopathy of Prematurity Team

HIGHLY COMMENDEDManchester Royal Eye Hospital

Stickler Syndrome ServiceThe National Stickler Syndrome Diagnostic Service was a very strong entry with successful patient pathways linked to research and very strong patient support. The judges described the team as ‘very specialist’ and ‘world class’. It is an excellent example of multi-disciplinary working that can be applied to other areas.

COMMENDED Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

10


Judges’ special awards

Macular disorders are the leading cause of blindness and a decade ago treatment options were limited. There continues to be a growing need for research to find better treatment options, however opportunities for patients to participate in clinical research has historically been virtually non-existent. The aim of this research network was to develop a centre of excellence for macular diseases by encouraging a culture of research and evidence-based practice. The ophthalmology research team has evolved from one consultant and one nurse to a collaborative ophthalmology

research network working with researchers in clinics, as well as universities. The research staff include two research nurses, one research associate, two research optometrists and four ophthalmic photographers. All retina consultants are engaged in research. The team has a growing portfolio of studies offering all patients an opportunity to participate in one clinical trial. The team has participated in 20 studies in the last six years and despite being a new centre the research team has outperformed its expectations.

Judges’ comment: “This entry didn’t quite fit any of the award categories but we wanted to recognise this fantastic initiative as it was close to many of our hearts. Bradford is a first class macula research centre and the team’s efforts are excellent. The entry demonstrated a strong team, with commitment to research and translation from trial experience to improved clinical services. The team achieved impressive developments, significantly expanding research activity and bringing greater treatment options to patients.”

Bradford Ophthalmology Research Network: Enhancing patient care through research

WINNER Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

11


Retinal detachment is a common and potentially blinding condition. There is considerable evidence that genetic factors play a causative role but the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. Over the last 25 years, this Cambridge Ophthalmology team has developed and led International research in Stickler Syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder that causes giant retinal tears leading to retinal detachment, often in both eyes. It is the commonest cause of childhood retinal detachment. Due to the complexity of diagnosis and variety in clinical features, underdiagnosis / misdiagnosis was common. The Trust

identified a clear and essential need to improve the clinical and molecular diagnostic approach and to establish a multi-disciplinary team (MDT). As a result of the research and MDT service, in 2011 the Department of Health commissioned the team to provide the now National Stickler Syndrome Diagnostic Service for all patients in England with Stickler Syndrome. Health boards access the service via their own commissioning arrangements ensuring that all UK NHS patients have free access to a true MDT service, unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Judges’ comment: “This team is very specialist

and world class. It is an excellent example of multi-

disciplinary working that can be applied to other

areas. The National Stickler Syndrome Diagnostic Service demonstrates

successful patient pathways linked to research and very

strong patient support.”

Stickler Syndrome Service

WINNER Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

12


This award is designed to recognise the development of innovative support or education initiatives that have made a significant and measurable difference to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Best patient support or education initiative

It is a major life event for parents when they are told that their perfect baby or young child has a cataract, who needs surgery and what that might involve. At the Paediatric Intraocular Clinic, a pathway was introduced to ease the anxieties of the parents and to give, as much as possible, a

smooth and consistent experience; seeing, where possible, the same team members at the same clinic. The team has achieved a consistency in practice and in the clinical team, which has greatly assisted with reducing the anxieties of parents.

Four years ago this clinic introduced an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) service to provide patients with instant access to emotional support, further information about eye conditions and external services for support. This service has had a huge impact, providing emotional support for all patients as and when they need it, seeing on average 60 patients per month. It has been described by one patient as,

“In a word – brilliant. You gave me the confidence to navigate a dark place that I knew nothing about and helped me find my way. Having an ECLO means that the people who are nervously sat waiting, who are too shy to speak up and ask for help, have someone there on the front line who will go to them to check they are okay, not left sitting in the dark.”

Judges’ comment: “This is an excellent example of improved communication in the paediatric setting. A well thought out approach and a novel idea. The team recognised the lack of education and support for patients and as a result they successfully developed the service to meet these needs.”

Judges’ comment: “This initiative clearly showcased how building relationships with patients and support organisations can result in positive changes to clinical practice and improved services. The entry demonstrated a robust change that over time directly improved patient experience. It is an initiative that other centres could learn from.”

The Paediatric Intraocular Clinic

Kent Association for the Blind ECLO Service

HIGHLY COMMENDED

WINNERAlder Hey Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

13


A support and education day for patients with Idiopathic Intracranial HypertensionIdiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is an uncommon disorder characterised by increased intracranial pressure of unknown cause, predominantly seen in obese women of childbearing age. It is a debilitating condition causing headaches, nausea, vomiting, transient loss of vision and tinnitus. Education surrounding weight loss and maintenance has emerged as a key factor in the management of IIH. This service established a thorough approach to supporting the education and needs of patients with IIH. An excellent one-day programme was developed, with sessions including a talk by a Slimming World representative, a motivational talk by a patient who had lost weight and as a result had improved symptoms, an interactive fitness session run by British Military Fitness, cooking demonstrations on the preparation of healthy food, an interactive session of yoga and Pilates and a Zumba dancing workshop.

Making it easier to access charitable services for patients with sight lossIn light of the increasing demand on social services caused by an ageing population and the reduction in government funding, the support available to patients suffering sight loss has gradually diminished. However, support for eligible individuals is available through charities and one in particular, Blind Veterans UK, supports former service personnel. The application process can be lengthy, especially as information around eye conditions needs to be sought from eye clinics. To ensure support is accessed as quickly as possible, this clinic introduced a gold standard approach to ensure that all eligible patients receive timely access to services and has demonstrated a marked impact on patients.

COMMENDED

COMMENDED Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with Blind Veterans UK

University Hospitals Birmingham

14


Best ophthalmology care innovation

Manchester Royal Eye Hospital developed a bespoke, electronic, patient tracking platform, MAP, to address issues around consistency in patient flow, to minimise the time patients spend in waiting areas and to optimise patient experience of care. The platform provides quantified data on patient flow and offers an unparalleled level of real-time visualisation of clinical activity. It provides the clinic co-ordinator with a real-time overview of all patients undergoing any assessment or treatment, as well as patients waiting to go through any step of the pathway. It enables the co-ordinator

to observe the real-time flow of patients from step-to-step, meaning bottlenecks developing at any one step are promptly highlighted. MAP also offers a unique opportunity to optimise patient experience and manage patient expectations in injection clinics. By linking the system to the main screen in the outpatient waiting area it is possible to offer information to service users on average waiting times between various steps of the pathway. This relieves confusion around complex pathways and infuses a sense of involvement to patients ensuring a positive experience of care.

Judges’ comment: “This was a very innovative, interesting and clever way of mapping patient flow. It is a great initiative which could enable centres to be more in control and responsible for the timely running of clinics and to help improve service provision. This has excellent potential for future application across the UK and could change ways of working throughout the NHS.”

Real-time Patient Journey Assessment Platform

WINNER Manchester Royal Eye Hospital

This award is designed to recognise innovations in care via a differential approach that have been implemented in eye units to: save money and minimise the effect of reduced budgets; improve patient experience; improve patients’ quality of life; improve patient outcomes and improve service delivery, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of patient care provided. The judges assessed entries based on the originality of the initiative, potential for wider application, size of the benefit achieved, the number experiencing this benefit, and the cost of/cost-savings generated by the initiative.

15


Outstanding ophthalmology nurse or allied health professional

Judges’ comment: “It is evident that

Anne-Marie is a highly skilled individual who

involves herself with a range of activities well outside

her everyday role. We were impressed that she was

compared to a junior doctor and have to commend

her for her organisational skills. She has taken on the

responsibility to improve the service whilst maintaining a

high patient empathy and level of support. We can’t praise her highly enough!”

WINNER Anne-Marie Lacey

Ophthalmology clinics rely on nursing staff and allied health professionals who continue to improve the treatment and care they provide for their patients. Ensuring that patient outcomes, safety and experience are paramount while embracing the ever-growing need to adapt, develop and evolve their practice to meet the diverse expectations of their patients, the public and policy makers. This award recognises the critical role nurses and allied health professionals play within ophthalmic care and is awarded to a nurse or allied health professional who demonstrates excellence in all aspects of their role while making an outstanding contribution to patient experience.

Anne-Marie is a Nurse Practitioner providing support to the macular service and the Emergency Eye Unit. She is an integral member of the team. Without her involvement in clinics the service would be under severe strain to provide the necessary capacity. She is able to motivate and support not only patients but other team members. Anne-Marie has supported the training of a second macula nurse and is always ready to support the team by seeing extra patients, including during weekend clinics. Anne-Marie’s considerate technique in giving injections has helped to reassure patients who are particularly nervous. She has worked tirelessly to improve herself professionally and provides compassionate holistic care to macula patients through the entirety of the patient journey.

Nurse Practitioner, Royal Bournemouth Hospital

16


continued...

Clare has worked in the vitreo-retinal (VR) theatre since 2009. The service has been improved over the years by Clare’s ideas and her tireless research into other hospitals. She has built a strong team

to support her in the VR theatre but it is always Clare that quietly takes on the responsibility and diligence to ensure that everything is organised to perfection.

Sue has a pivotal, central role within the Medical Retina and AMD team. She multi-tasks and maintains an overview of the clinic, often switching from one role to another to ensure there are no bottlenecks, which means that patients have a smooth journey through the service. She has made a big impact on the way the service is delivered, particularly in the development

of the non-medical role within the multi-disciplinary ophthalmic team, which allows clinicians more time with complicated cases. Patients have commented on how well Sue looks after them – no matter how stressed clinic might be, each individual patient is always greeted with a smile and given the time they need.

Judges’ comment: “Clare seems to have forged a unique and important role. She has good team building skills, a high level of commitment to the quality of the service and goes that extra mile. Clare has an excellent ability to take initiative and provide crucial support to the rest of the team. Her continuous commitment and loyalty to the team is extraordinary and is not something that you come across every day.”

Judges’ comment: “The impact that Sue has on the service is unquestionable. Her ability to multi-task and adopt extended roles out of her remit is outstanding and she clearly has a high impact on patient experience. The entry showcases an impressive career progression. Sue is a strong team player and focuses on improving services by carving out a unique and incredibly useful role. She is clearly a fantastic leader who deserves to be recognised.”

Staff Nurse VR Theatre, Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust

Specialist Ophthalmic Science Practitioner, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Clare Hall

Sue Walker

17


Clinical Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Oxford Eye HospitalJames was nominated for this award by one of his patients who described him as “a devoted, compassionate, knowledgeable and totally professional nurse who may not expect to receive, but is wholly deserving of this award.” James’ nomination showcased the true care and attention that James takes with his work every day. The stand-out feedback provided clearly demonstrates the impact James has on patient experience on a daily basis.

Diabetic Specialist Nurse, Hillingdon Hospital NHS Foundation TrustJoshna is an excellent diabetic nurse performing to a very high standard. She has admirable skills, excellent intuition and first-rate knowledge of diabetes and ophthalmology. Joshna’s ability to multi-task means that she has a high impact on the service and patient care and experience. She goes the extra mile to educate and inform patients.

Retinal Nurse Specialist, Colchester Hospital University Foundation TrustAs a retinal nurse specialist, Nicola works very closely alongside the consultant; with her own patient list ranging from new patients with medical/surgical conditions, post-op VR surgery, diabetes-related conditions, to any medical VR problem. She is respected by senior and junior colleagues, who often ask for advice regarding patients if the consultant is not in clinic. Nicola is a critical contributor to patient care and patient welfare. She has a high level of engagement with patients and it is evident that Nicola makes a real difference to all.

COMMENDED

COMMENDED

COMMENDED

James Bayley

Joshna Patel

Nicola Hopkins

18


The NHS employs a multitude of non-clinical staff working to ensure the smooth-running of organisations and improve patient experience. This award recognises those who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of their organisation, and demonstrate excellence in all aspects of their role, while making an outstanding contribution to patient experience.

Ophthalmology unsung hero

Cara was nominated for this award for her patient-centred “nothing is too much trouble” approach, her ability to motivate, drive and innovate, but most importantly because her colleagues felt she doesn’t realise how good she is or how much staff, patients and carers benefit from what she contributes to the service. Cara started at band 2 and showed initiative and drive to improve the service for patients, carers and the team. Her support, commitment and hard work contributed to the exponential

growth of the team’s research portfolio. Due to staffing shortages within the macular admin team, her skills were required to support the running of the clinical service. It quickly became apparent that she had so much to offer the service and for years she worked above her banding, covering the co-ordinator role without remuneration. She has recently been promoted, and now manages four assistants. Cara has always provided an exemplary service.

Judges’ comment: “Cara is exceptional and has consistently performed above and beyond for a large span of her career. The progress and growth that she has shown in her role is extraordinary and she clearly makes an impact on all, with patient experience at the heart of everything she does. Cara is absolutely key to the success of the service, she truly is the definition of an unsung hero.”

Macular Service Coordinator, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

WINNERCara Mitchell

19


Christopher has a great ability to recognise a problem, find a solution to that problem and then set about putting that solution into action. He is a great team player and will perform any task to assist in the smooth running of retinal clinics, which can range from running around after missing notes and referral letters to making patients cups of tea when they have been in the department for a few hours. Christopher has taken it upon himself to maintain all the slit lamps within the retinal suite making

sure that the tonometers are correctly calibrated on a weekly basis and will come in early or leave late to make sure this is done. He has an extensive knowledge of computers and is always happy to help when people have problems with their systems. The department relies heavily on IT for the smooth running of its clinics and Christopher’s ability to solve most of the issues that arise means clinics aren’t delayed waiting for an offsite IT technician to arrive.

Judges’ comment: “Christopher is a strong

team player and it is clear that his skill set is of

substantial importance to the running of the

department. The support that Christopher provides to the team is unprecedented.

Having a ‘go to’ person for all IT issues within a

department is crucial for the efficient running of the

clinics and service and this team are lucky to have

just that in Christopher.”

Ophthalmic Imaging Technician, Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust

HIGHLY COMMENDEDChristopher Ellis

Senior Eye Clinic Liaison Officer, Eye Hospital, Hull Royal InfirmaryJune is “an exceptional ECLO” that has taken it upon herself to develop the Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) pathway for the service. Her level of commitment to the role shines through and her compassionate and caring manner makes a real difference to the patients she serves and the care they receive. She is a comforting and cheerful presence in the clinic and her support is integral to the eye care delivered to patients. June is an asset to the department.

COMMENDED June Crosby

Bayer may be contacted via Bayer Medical Information at: Bayer plc, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1JA. Tel: 01635 563116. Email: [email protected].

© Bayer plc November 2016.® Registered trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.

UKEYL06160038afDate of preparation: December 2016

winners and commendations...date of preparation: december 2016. ophthalmology honours is an...

Documents