A healthcare assistant from East Lancashire Hospitals was nominated for a colleague of the month award by a kind-hearted grandson who said he made the last few weeks of his grandad’s life the best it could possibly be.
Trevor Thompson nominated Zafran Akram for caring for Gerard Braithwaite when he was admitted to C9 ward Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
Trevor, from Great Harwood, said: “My grandad had been in hospital for over a month and sadly passed away when he came home.
“Whilst on the ward my grandad spoke extremely highly of Zafran and how well he was looking after him. I also witnessed his professionalism, attentiveness and care he provided for my grandad – he would always go out of his way to help and that was clear not just for my grandad but others on the ward.”
Mr Braithwaite, 92, was raised in Bury and Helmshore and after a 24-year career in the British Army settled in Accrington where he worked for Robinsons Coach Travel up to his retirement.
Trevor added: “During one of my visits to hospital to see grandad I saw the colleague of the month board on a wall so I decided to nominate Zafran for it. I knew it would show a little appreciation for the care he provided as he made the last few weeks of my grandad’s life the best it could possibly be in the hospital.
“I’d never be able to repay Zafran for what he did but hopefully this nomination might show our appreciation.”
Zafran, who lives in Blackburn and has worked at the Trust for over two years, said receiving the nomination and award meant a great deal to him.
He said: “I treat my patients like I would treat my own family so it’s nice that this has been recognised,” he said. “I enjoy the work that I do and this award shows that it is appreciated.”
The award, which is presented every month, honours and highlights staff who have gone above and beyond their role and nominations are usually made between colleagues, so it is exceptional to be nominated by a patient’s family.
Alison Sugden, Staff Experience and Engagement Officer for the Trust, confirmed that said: “It does make a real difference when a patient or family member does this and boosts moral for the nominee and also the team.”