Matron Elaine Houghton has won a Cavell Star Award for going above and beyond for her colleagues at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Colleague and Manager Margaret O’Connor explains why Elaine is such a worthy winner,
“Elaine always goes above and beyond to support everyone within the department, not just myself. I was going through a difficult time in my life and Elaine was amazing throughout the whole horrid time. She supported me day and night constantly being in contact, organising work, always reassuring me and she was a vital link. Elaine was in contact with me everyday for 6 months, nothing was too much trouble for her, and she always made time for me. She spent her days off organising hot chocolate sessions, meeting up away from the hospital.
“Elaine then organised a phased return back to work, starting outside the hospital and then in an office within the hospital, Elaine was able to judge when the time came, to actually step inside the tower block of the hospital, she took time with me and she was able to ascertain if and when the next step would take place. Until my confidence was starting to develop. I can only say I am working full time within the site team because of Elaine, I would have never been able to get to where I am now, if it wasn’t for her.
“Everyone goes to Elaine for support it would seem she is our matriarch within site, the go to person, it is evident too that she cares so much.”