“They’re all superheroes”: ICU team wins Patients’ Choice Award | News

Royal Surrey’s Intensive Care team has received a Patients’ Choice Award after being put forward by the family of a man who spent 75 days in their care battling Covid-19.

Camilla Bushill nominated the team to receive a Royal Surrey Star for their work during the pandemic after spotting an invitation to recognise teams and individuals at the Trust who had gone above and beyond.

The mother-of-two saw first-hand the care and dedication displayed by all in ICU when her seriously ill partner, Mark Green, was placed on a mechanical ventilator as his lungs began to fail after being struck down with Covid in January 2021.

In total Mark spent 97 days at the Trust in Guildford, Surrey - 56 of these were in a medically induced coma.

An emotional Mark was reunited with the team that he credits with saving his life as he presented them with the Patients’ Choice Award as Royal Surrey Stars made its return for the first time in three years.

Mark pictured with his two sons

His partner, Camilla, told the audience at Guildford Cathedral how it was the most ‘horrendous period’ and her family considered each member of the ICU team, who were on the coronavirus frontline, as ‘super heroes.’

“It was a really difficult time for our family,” she said.

“It was so traumatic but the staff in ICU, everyone from the Consultants to the Care Assistants, made our lives so much easier.”

In her nomination Camilla explained how the team encouraged her to play music, talk to Mark and hold his hand when she was able to visit.

The consultants also called her at the same time every day during the terrifying ordeal and ensured that Mark always looked his best when visited, which she said ‘made the world of difference’.

“They showed me so much compassion, so much care and love,” Camilla added.

“They supported me throughout that entire process and eventually got Mark home to me and his little boys."

The Trust received around 350 Royal Surrey Stars nominations for teams and individuals across 16 categories recognising the exceptional care, kindness and innovation shown across the organisation, including more than 80 nominations for the Patients’ Choice Award.

The event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Medirest, CBRE and AdEPT.

Chair Sue Sjuve said: “Our colleagues have worked so hard over the last three years, and the people and teams we heard about during the event are shining examples of the work carried out by many in our hospital every day.”

Louise Stead, Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is important that we use these awards as an opportunity to thank each and every member of staff at Royal Surrey.

“The last three years have not been without challenge and it has been an incredible team effort.

“I am proud of the contribution of each and every member of our staff, and the commitment they have shown to our Trust and our patients.”