Nothing is too much trouble for Ann

Submitted by Lindsay Rutherford-Hoe, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

We are nominating Ann McCabe because she has shown such dedication to the Trust and commitment to improving patient experience on ward 26. Whilst doing this, she has also supported new volunteers in the Trust, in particular supporting college students to settle into the ward environment and in their personal development. We ask volunteers for a minimum of 2-3 hours per week; Ann has dedicated every morning (Monday-Friday) to provide support to both patients and staff on the ward. Ann is a driving force for volunteers within the Trust in developing patient care.

Ann is committed to improving the patient experience on ward 26, whether it is chatting to patients, supporting therapeutic activities on the ward or even running down to the kitchen to get them a scone. Nothing is too much trouble for Ann.

Ann has also helped organise and coordinate activities with patients including a Christmas card making competition, in which all cards were donated to a local charity that provided a Christmas lunch to those in need. Last Easter she organized an Easter bonnet competition using cardboard bowls from the ward.

Kim Duffy (Ward 26 Matron) says “Ann is willing to help support patients and staff in any way she can. When she is not on the ward, patients and staff regularly ask where she is”.

Ann explained that when she gets home from her volunteering activities, she’s asked if she’s had a good day. Her reply, ‘every day volunteering is a good day’. She has shown her dedication to the Trust by her commitment to volunteering every morning to help enhance the patient’s experience on the ward. She is also passionate about other initiatives within the Trust e.g. recycling and will often raise questions about how the Trust can be more environmentally friendly. Ann is a shining light, her dedication to supporting our patients and our staff is second to none. Her humor is engaging and when she has the bit ‘between the teeth’, there is no stopping her.