“I like the people I work with — the estates team and all the staff— and you can’t beat being out in the fresh air. And the patients are good too. I’ve got to know quite a few of them as they can stay with us for quite some time.”
Staff Recognition Awards 2019
Living the Values Award 2019
Presented by Trust Chief Executive, Stuart Bell
This person exemplifies the trust values. They strive to be caring, safe and excellent and to place these values at the heart of everything they do.
WINNER
Chris Willis
Gardener, Littlemore Health Centre, Oxford
His nomination said:
“No matter what the weather is like, you can count that Chris is always there. His charm and calming influence are priceless. His gardening work around the Littlemore site is incredible. Chris creates a beautiful green work environment for us all — colleagues and service users.”
On the record
“I am very pleased to have taken part in the awards and to have won,” said the modest champion gardener who keeps the grounds at Littlemore Mental Health Centre looking so well-cared for.
He was keen to point out that he is part of a team. “It’s much more than just me, “ he beamed.
For Chris the award was a timely one. He was honoured for ‘Living the Values’ just a few days before marking 50 years as a gardener. He’s never had any doubt about changing career.
“I’ve always gardened, “ said Chris who moved to Oxfordshire from Dorset as a 17 year old. “I started it as soon as I left school. “I like the people I work with — the estates team and all the staff—and you can’t beat being out in the fresh air. And the patients are good too. I’ve got to know quite a few of them as they can stay with us for quite some time.”
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Euan Mackenzie
Out of Hours GP, Urgent Care, based at Abingdon Community Hospital.
His nomination said: “Dr Mackenzie continually works night shifts and is always bright and bushy tailed. He shares his knowledge and experience, whilst providing a high standard of safe, quality care and support to patients, colleagues and non-medical practitioners, all of this is done throughout the night, all year and always with a smile and a joke.”
Emma Hawk
Deputy Ward Manager, Sandford Ward, Fulbrook Centre, Oxford
Her nomination said: “Working collaboratively with patients and staff Emma has created a beautiful and relaxing garden space as a tribute to one of our patients. Emma committed many hours of her time to ensure this project was successful. The garden project has been a source of pleasure for all those involved.”