Going above and beyond to care for and protect a patient is just one of the reasons Respiratory Nurse, Justine Reed, was announced as the winner of the Chair’s Special Recognition Award in our staff Make a Difference awards, which celebrates our winners from 2019-2020.

As we began our response to COVID-19, we had to cancel our awards ceremony in March – but we didn’t let the pandemic stop us celebrating our amazing colleagues. Including Justine, who has continued to support and provide excellent care for her patients during the pandemic.

Although we couldn’t come together for our celebrations in the same way this year, we decided to mark Justine’s amazing achievements a little differently with a surprise visit from our, Chair, Joe Fielder, and our Chief Executive, Professor Oliver Shanley OBE.

With her team and colleagues gathered together for a meeting, Justine was thoroughly surprised when Joe announced her as the winner of the Chair’s Special Recognition Award in recognition of her exceptional efforts to look after a patient who was acutely unwell, showing incredible compassion and care.

Joe Fielder, Chair, said: “This particular award is very dear to my heart in the sense that it is the Chairman's Special Award for 2020 and it's awarded to Justine Reed. She exemplifies what a nurse should be; very, very patient centric, very, very committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the patient."

Oliver Shanley, Chief Executive, said: “I'm delighted to be here this morning, sharing with Justine her rightful recognition through the Chair's award today. What a wonderful narrative around what epitomizes a fantastic nurse, kind, compassion, relentless focus on the patient, truly, truly outstanding. Thank you Justine."

Her colleague who nominated her said: “Justine went above and beyond to care for this patient and keep them safe not only in her working hours, but also in the expectations of her role. She shows amazing care and compassion and embodies NELFT values, not only on this occasion, but every day.” 

Every year our Make a Difference Awards recognise staff who go above and beyond to deliver great care for our patients and support each other, and Justine – who was selected as a winner before the pandemic – is an example of a true NHS hero.

Meet all our Make a Difference winners

• NELFT Nurse Award: Rose Mitchell, Community Staff Nurse
• Care and Compassion Award: Rose Mitchell, Community Staff Nurse
• Team/Department Award: Acute Crisis and Assessment Team (ACAT)
• Leadership Award: Debbie Feetham, Assistant Director Immediate Care
• Outstanding Achievement Award: Salim Danyen, Integrated Care Assistant
• Improvement to Services Award: Karen Mills, Deputy Ward Manager
• Working in Partnership Award: Jennifer Iheanetu, School Nurse
• Chair’s Special Recognition Award: Justine Reed, Respiratory Nurse
• Harm Free Care Award: Diane Quinn, Community Mental Health Nurse