On 19 July, the world experienced its largest global IT outage, which affected Microsoft Windows devices. This impacted Oxford Health’s IT and HR systems – the teams had to respond quickly and reassure staff.

All the teams confidentially dealt with the challenge, responding instantly, and helping to reduce any issues and risks where they could.

It was essential both staff and patients were aware the Trust was dealing with the issue in a planned and organised manner. The teams worked around the clock, including out of hours, to provide vital information and react to any changes.

This award is an extra nomination, to recognise the teams for their hard work during this challenging time. These four teams provide fundamental functions every day for the Trust, their contribution is invaluable and in these challenging moments we recognise this contribution more than ever. All the Executive Team would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the teams.

Trust Chair David Walker said:

“This award is an extra nomination, to recognise the teams for their hard work during this challenging time. These four teams provide fundamental functions every day for the Trust, their contribution is invaluable and in these challenging moments we recognise this contribution more than ever. All the Executive Team would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the teams”.

Head of HR Systems & Reporting Sigrid Barnes commented:

“The team were delighted and surprised to receive an Exceptional People Award for their response to the systems outage. The Friday was a challenging day for operational teams and central teams, not knowing when systems would come back up and putting emergency plans into place, but everyone stopped what they were doing and pulled together”.

Chief Digital Information Officer Alison Corfield said:

“The IM&T and P&I teams dropped everything and responded to this crisis situation, working long hours outside of their normal working days to support clinical teams by providing the information that they need to carry on delivering their services to our patients and it is great to have recognition of their hard work and dedication”.

Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs Ben Cahill added:

“The emergency planning lead quickly established the emergency planning and incident response following emergency planning procedures and manual, supporting and advising the director on call, as well as linking with emergency planning colleagues of partner organisations. Colleagues from the executive office provided valuable support to act as loggists for the incident calls”.

The nomination

The teams were nominated by Chief People Officer Charmaine De Souza and Chief Finance Officer Heather Smith on behalf of the Executive Team, for their commitment, whilst being responsive and approachable.

Charmaine commented:

“They worked over and above as a team to ensure that the issues were dealt with so that there was minimal impact on our patients and staff and that we maintained our commitment to being a caring, safe and excellent Trust.”