Steve takes the Exceptional People Award for October

Health care assistant Steven Excell was pleasantly surprised to learn he had been named the trust’s Exceptional People Award winner for October.

“What a surprise to win this award – many thanks!” said Steve, who works nights in a dual role at the Hospital at Home in Abingdon, with the practitioners from the out-of-hours service.

“I have been a health care assistant since 2006, working for another trust and community in North Wales before moving back  to the area where I grew up to be closer to family in November 2017. At that point I joined Oxford Health,” he told us.

“I like working in the community and the feeling of being a valuable member of the team. The variety of our patients means no two days are the same and allows me to continuously use my skill base.

“I will always put the patient or client first, empowering the individual while considering their holistic needs. Working in a multidisciplinary environment I understand the importance of good communication between teams. Being self-aware is important to me, being aware of my limitations and working within my skill base and knowledge,” Steve reflected.

Steve was nominated by Phil Bedwell, clinical lead at Abingdon minor injuries unit and out-of-hours service. Phil said:

“Steve has such a proactive and conscientious approach to his work. He makes sure that the mandatory safety checks for equipment are done and always helps with other tasks within the minor injuries unit at Abingdon, above and beyond the expectations of his role.

“Steve has helped to improve the systems for checking medication stock and expiry dates by implementing weekly checklists for colleagues to follow, and has taken great ownership for this.

“Steve has a great manner with patients, most often with those receiving palliative care at home, or their families. He is respectful and kind and always offers kind words and comfort to people when they really need it.”

Steve will receive a certificate and our thanks for his valued service to the trust and patients.

Every month we recognise and reward a team or staff member that has made a real difference to the trust, our people and our patients. Nominations are welcome from staff, service users, patients, or friends and family of service users and patients. If you would like to nominate someone exceptional, you can download a form here.