Published on: 5 February 2024
An Assistant Practitioner at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for nearly 40 years of hard work, commitment and dedication – not only to her job, but also to her team and the carers and families within her service.
Michelle Smith, who works in the Trust’s Intensive Support Team helping people with neurodevelopmental conditions like learning disabilities and autism, was described as being exemplary in taking the time to recognise everyone as individuals, with particular note of how she listens carefully to people’s needs, thoughts, and feelings.
In the Trust’s Delivering Excellence Every Day (DEED) awards, which recognise and celebrate Derbyshire Healthcare staff and volunteers who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their work, and thereby demonstrated one or more of the Trust’s values, Michelle was awarded as the DEED of the month for all her hard work.
The nomination read: “Michelle is due to retire soon after many years of fantastic service. Before she retires I think it is important she is recognised for all her efforts, hard work, commitment and dedication to her job, her team, and carers and families in our services.
“Michelle works tirelessly to support carers and families who are often exhausted and depleted from caring for their loved ones. She takes time to recognise them as individuals, listen carefully to their needs, thoughts and feelings, to find ways to integrate this into clinical team meetings and discussions to ensure they have a voice. Her efforts are often unseen but go a long way to preventing family or placement breakdowns. Michelle – you’re very much a hidden gem.”
Michelle has been working for the NHS for 37 years in Adult Learning Disability services and plans to return to work following a brief retirement period. She has also worked in several other teams, and has spent the last five years working in the Intensive Support Team.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Michelle is a credit to the Trust and thoroughly deserves all the recognition. Michelle is a living example of our Trust’s values, carrying them out so effortlessly with our patients and putting them always at the centre of what we do.
“We are extremely lucky to still have your knowledge and expertise and I look forward to seeing more of Michelle as she retires and returns following this glowing feedback.”
Rebecca Needham, Clinical Operational Manager for the Intensive Support Team at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Michelle is a passionate and valued member of the team. She is the most energetic person in any room she enters but will always remain courteous and respectful to others. This is what makes Michelle so successful in her role as Carer’s Champion.
“She is an exceptional advocate for the families of those we support, offering time to listen to their experiences and concerns, advocate for their needs, and empower them within their roles.”
Speaking after her nomination was announced, Michelle said: “I have worked for the Trust for 37 years and have met some wonderful people. Some of my proudest moments are when I have achieved the best outcomes for the people who use our service and their carers.
“I was overwhelmed to receive my DEED award especially before I retire. It has made all my dedication and hard work feel appreciated by the Trust."
If anyone has experienced good care from a member of staff at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, they can nominate them through the DEED scheme by filling in a DEED nomination form.
