Unsung heroes of Nottinghamshire NHS Trust nominated as part of Outstanding Service Contribution and Recognition Scheme (OSCARS)

Nominations for the Nottinghamshire NHS Trust staff and volunteer awards are now open.

Now in its 19th year, the Trust holds its Outstanding Service Contribution and Recognition Scheme (OSCARS) annually to recognise and reward staff and volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

There are ten different awards in which staff and volunteers will be honoured, including Clinical Unsung Hero, Outstanding Care and Compassion Award and Volunteer of the Year Award.

Cherry Rumsey, a Rushcliffe Macmillan Nurse, was recognised in the Outstanding Care and Compassion category last year after receiving nominations from colleagues, patients and carers.

She joined the Trust as a district nurse and became a Community Macmillan Nurse almost six years ago, supporting patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.

Writing in their nomination, one patient said: “Cherry called and helped exactly when I and my family needed her. After talking to Cherry on the phone I felt so much better and seeing her in person was fantastic; I was in such a dark place and she lifted my family and I up.”

Feedback received on the PatientOpinion website also included: “My relative was supported by Cherry and she has made our journey so much better. She was so caring, extremely knowledgeable and supportive.

“She was always kind, available, approachable, and compassionate. I’m not sure what we would have done without her.”

Cherry also received recognition from colleagues for her work at Integrated Care System (ICS) level as a trusted member of staff with the specialist knowledge.

Speaking at the time of her nomination, Cherry said: “The main focus of my role is clinical work with patients, which I juggle with teaching nursing in palliative care and working with the ICS development. While they add to the variety of work, my heart is really with my patients. It’s a privilege to walk with people through their time of illness.

“It is an honour to be a Macmillan Nurse and to be part of a nursing team that is committed to specialised, high quality, compassionate holistic care for patients and families. It is also wonderful to be able to teach others in the integrated team and see staff members thrive in their care of patients and families.

She encourages people to nominate staff who have helped them this year.

She said: “Please do nominate. We have worked through some very challenging times and being nominated is a huge confidence boost and an honour to be recognised for your contribution that is often unseen.

“I was very shocked to be the overall winner of my category but thrilled that my patients and colleagues nominated me for the care and support I give to people.”

Nominations can be made by anyone who has had contact with NHS Trust staff and/or volunteers in any capacity.

To nominate visit www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/oscars

Nominations close on November 8.