A hospital ward clerk from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) has been formally recognised for his outstanding kindness to both patients and colleagues.
James Smith, who works on Ward C6 at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, was awarded the Jasper’s Colleague Kindness award as part of the Trust’s annual Star Awards which gives thanks and recognition to its health care teams and individuals.
Known as ‘Jim’, the worker has only been with the Trust for just over a year but has already gone above and beyond with colleagues calling him a ‘team player’ and saying ‘he always goes the extra mile to support patients and colleagues’.
The Jasper Kindness Award is named in memory of Jasper, our beloved therapy dog who brought joy, light and lots of cuddles to everyone he met, especially during the COVID pandemic.
Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, Sharon Gilligan said: “In Jim’s short time working for the Trust the impact he has made is nothing short of extraordinary.
“He is the first face many patients see when arriving on the ward and thanks to his kind and helpful nature, always leaves a lasting impression.
“The epitome of our Trust values, Jim demonstrates everything we think of when we remember Jasper and was clearly the worthy winner of this award.”
Jim, who is the wellbeing champion on his ward, was nominated by colleagues for his constant acts of kindness. If he isn’t checking in on colleagues, he is organising family fun days and even helped to arrange a wedding on the ward for a patient with a terminal illness.
He said: “I am extremely humbled - I am just one piece in a large jigsaw – it really is a team effort.
“I am incredibly grateful to have just been nominated, let alone win.”
The awards were made possible due to sponsorship from Equans and Consort Healthcare Limited (Blackburn). Managing Director for Consort, Joe Tingle who attended the presentation said: “It’s such a privilege for us to be able to support the recognition of the incredible work that the NHS does day in and day out.
“Hearing how one person such as Jim can make a huge impact on not just their colleagues, but patients too, it really is inspirational.”