Published on: 30 November 2022
Three healthcare support workers at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded the Joined Up Care Derbyshire Health Care Support Worker Award for their commitment to their profession.
Modupeola Falase, a healthcare support worker based in Chesterfield, and Kim Scott and Andy Holbrook, healthcare support workers based in Derby, were all nominated for going above and beyond in all areas of their work. They won three of the six awards presented to health care support workers by Joined Up Care Derbyshire this year.
Modupeola, who has worked with the Chesterfield Central community mental health team for five years, won the ‘Going the Extra Mile Award’. She was nominated by a colleague for her work in the community during the height of COVID-19. Not only did Modupeola step up to support the team, but she also “continues to this day to assist in the day to day running of this clinic, supporting the staff, patients, and medics.”
Kim, who has worked in healthcare for almost 40 years, including the last 14 years in the Trust’s mental health crisis services, won the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. He was nominated by a colleague for his unwavering support and dedication, despite having faced personal challenges that include physical disability and bereavement. “Kim’s role has taken on an increased level of importance during the pandemic but also in the current cost of living crisis and neither of these exceptional circumstances have altered his philosophy or compassion towards work,” wrote Kim’s colleague. “He has an excellent relationship with the Trussell Trust and often visits them to collect and deliver food parcels to our most vulnerable patients and families. He develops great rapport with our patients and families alike and has received very positive feedback and praise for this.”
Andy, who works in the Trust’s mental health rehabilitation services, won the ‘Patient’s Choice Award’ after receiving a nomination from a patient. His nomination applauded his friendly and encouraging nature to support his patients “to try new things and learn outside of their comfort zone”.
Tumi Banda, Interim Director of Nursing and Patient Experience at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, praised the three for their efforts.
Tumi said: “Modupeola, Kim and Andy are exceptionally talented and compassionate colleagues, and Derbyshire Healthcare are extremely lucky to have them on board.
“Congratulations to all three of you on your brilliant achievements, you should be proud of this accomplishment.”
Modupeola was surprised to receive this award and said: “Thank you very much for this amazing award but I would have to say I work with the best people in the business so this achievement is due to teamwork. It feels really good to be appreciated.”
Kim was also shocked to have been recognised for his long service, and said: “I am very honoured to have received this award, but I am just doing my job.
“I have been disabled all my life and had my leg amputated at eight years old so I wanted to give something back, which is why I chose this profession.
“My late wife also had plenty of help with her many conditions until the day she passed, but she was strong and was also very grateful to the NHS.”
Lastly, Andy was also taken back by the award. Andy said: “What a lovely surprise this was! I think the reason this felt so rewarding is because this nomination came from a resident I worked closely with and that’s why it made it more special.”
“I feel very lucky to do this job as I get to work with some wonderful people so having this recognition too is the icing on the cake, really!”
