Cancer Support Workers and healthcare assistants Monica Elston and Helen Webb from Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for their patients.
Living With and Beyond Cancer Project Officer Gareth Ballyn explained why Monica and Helen deserved their award.
“I started two significant projects last autumn with Cancer Support Workers Helen (Haematology) and Monica (Gynaecology) to transform how cancer patients at the Trust access Holistic Needs Assessments and also Health and Wellbeing Information.
“As part of this project Helen along with Monica piloted a new digital approach to enable patients to complete and return Holistic Needs Assessments more quickly and therefore access support earlier. The result of this pilot was successful and the digital HNA has now been rolled out across all cancer sites. Both have been instrumental in redesigning and reintroducing Face 2 Face monthly Health and Wellbeing Group clinics for patients and their families. Both have also taken on the responsibility of co-ordinating and presenting the clinics – which are now up and running successfully.
“Throughout this work both Helen and Monica kept their patients and their needs and experiences at the centre of their work. As part of the project both had to meet with a range of other professionals and their professionalism at meetings has been outstanding.”
Monica and Helen reacted to winning their Cavell Star Awards.
“I was surprised and a little overwhelmed when I was given such a wonderful award,” says Monica “The recognition of holistic care across all cancer specialities is important, and I feel very proud of the service we provide for our patients.”
“I feel very touched to have received the Cavell Star Award,” says Helen “It really reflects the work of both the nurse specialist team I am part of and the cancer support worker team across the hospital. My nursing team has been instrumental in providing me guidance and support to successfully implement the project.”