Improving the Staff Experience
Improving the Staff Experience
This award shines a spotlight on people – individuals or teams – who have worked outside of their core role to make Royal Surrey a better place to work for their colleagues. It might be through a health and wellbeing initiative or by leading activities that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Here’s what their colleagues wrote about them in the nominations.
Bjorn Ramirez, Matron
Bjorn has always been a passionate voice and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and ethnic minorities working at the Trust.
As a matron, he is a wonderful role model to our growing community of internationally trained nurses, and all those who aspire to management roles within nursing. He is never shy of raising difficult issues, or escalating problems that need addressing, and is always driven by the aim of making Royal Surrey a better, more inclusive place to work.
He talks passionately and openly about his personal experiences, and equality, diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace more generally, doing so in a way that people can relate to and identify with.
Bjorn encourages others to open up about their personal experiences, and creates a safe space for honest discussions around the barriers, whether real or perceived, that exist in career development, particularly for overseas nurses.
Jean Voice, Senior Practice Development Sister
Jean is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace and she has had a significant impact on her colleagues. She's created a sense of well-being, belonging and a cutlure where staff feel valued.
She always goes the extra mile to support her colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and mutual support.
Jean spearheaded a health and wellness initiative outside of her regular responsibilities. By promoting well-being, Jean's initiative indirectly contributed to increased productivity and engagement among colleagues.
Jean consistently takes ownership of challenges and seeks opportunities to make a positive impact. She is a true inspiration and her efforts make a significant difference in the lives of her colleagues.
Medical Education
This team provides excellent educational opportunities and effective training environments for doctors, medical students and dentists. With an open-door policy, their pastoral support cannot be overestimated.
Part of their remit includes supporting 131 foundation doctors, from assisting recruitment, preparing inductions to arranging professional practice weeks and additional shadowing for international trainees.
Chantel Brandon and Becky Wallace, Foundation Programme Managers, have been credited for their empathy and understanding towards trainees. They pick up subtle signs of a problem or distress. They are always ready to listen, give a hug when a hug is needed and recognise when to escalate.
They are skilful communicators, instinctively knowing how to react, how to comfort, when to take a problem with a pinch of salt. To do this for 131 doctors — many of them away from home in a very different cultural environment — in such an understanding and sensitive manner is truly remarkable.