Oxford Health staff have been praised for their ‘commitment, determination and passion’ through the coronavirus outbreak.

Praising all colleagues from all directorates and professions, whether in clinical or non-clinical roles, on site or at home, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Dr Nick Broughton said:

“Our staff have been working hard for many months to care for our patients, service users and communities. Their commitment, determination and passion have provided patients with high quality care and support during a difficult time. I am exceptionally proud that colleagues from all across Oxford Health have worked so hard and in partnership with organisations across the county and often in new ways to meet the unprecedented demands of the pandemic. Thank you for doing a truly fantastic job.”

It comes as colleagues in Oxfordshire share their experience of working through the pandemic.

Aisha Nadeem, lead dental nurse at East Oxford Dental Clinic and Luther Street Dental Clinic:

Everyone is doing their absolute best and are continuously working hard and going the extra mile to do their part in order to help with the national effort to help fight against the virus and help our patients as best we can. The appreciation patients and local businesses have shown towards our services and our team is very rewarding and it gives great job satisfaction and makes me proud to work for the NHS.”

Laura Wheeler, driver/receptionist, Abington urgent and ambulatory care:

“I am immensely proud and honoured to work with the doctors, clinicians and driver/receptionists that we have in our team. They are all such caring, compassionate and supportive people and make the role so rewarding. I get to see the amazing work they do first hand and we, as a nation, are extremely lucky to have them working within the NHS.”

Harkirtan Kaur Tanday, ward manager and mental health nurse:

“I find it rewarding when we get feedback from patients, their loved ones, staff and visitors. Just the thought of the journey of the patients from admission to discharge; when they are well gives me a sense of joy and the reason for doing what I do with the support of my team.”

Robyn Harris, healthcare manager (occupational therapist):

“I am now used to working from home and find that I have developed a good routine and productivity levels are high. I think my confidence with my role has increased which has been great to observe. I feel like we have responded well to the changing needs of the health service and feel proud that we have continued to triage referrals and carry out Continuing Healthcare assessments.”

Jamie-Louise Belcher, clinical lead nurse, Littlemore Mental Health Centre:

“We’ve been doing our normal roles, however with additional challenges along the way including learning how to communicate and build safe rapport with our patients while wearing face masks.

“It has been an amazing learning experience, but I am looking forward to returning to normal…whatever normal is.”

Tikki Harrold, school health nurse and community practice teacher:

“I offered my vulnerable young people options for ongoing contact including a ‘walk and talk’ observing social distancing. I interwove chit chat with an assessment of need, which is what SHN’s do best. From my perspective, it feels great to be out of the house and doing my job. It was a bit of normality for me and achieved what I’m not sure I could have over the phone.”

Nichola Dumelow, health visitor:

“I am a health visitor and have been redeployed supporting in an adult ward at a community hospital. I have a commitment to nursing. This is my time to step up in nursing during this crisis. It takes courage for us to step outside our comfort zone.”