Beloved nursing assistant thanks colleagues and carers for support
Jackie's colleagues on ward 126 at Royal Stoke University Hospital
Nursing assistant Jacqueline Salih has thanked her colleagues on ward 126 for their kindness and support as she receives treatment for breast cancer. Jacqueline has also thanked Mr Sankaran Narayanan, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, and Dr Saba Bajwa, consultant radiologist, for their expert care and dedication.
Ward 126 have been given the Chief Executive’s Award in recognition of compassion towards their colleague.
Tracy Bullock presents Ward 126 with the Chief Executive's Award
Jacqueline said: “The senior staff on ward 126 have been incredibly supportive and other colleagues have constantly kept in touch and supported me throughout my journey. They have sent me flowers and they ring me every week. I’m truly grateful.
“It was people I work with who encouraged me to go for a doctor’s appointment when I felt a pain in my arm. I thought it was nothing, but they insisted I should go and I’m so glad I did. They are an inspiration.”
Tracy Mellor, Ward Manager, said: “Jackie is a valued and much loved member of our team and is known for being an outstanding carer. She even makes a special effort to say goodbye to every patient on the ward before she leaves each day. She has won numerous awards for her work and was one of the first in the Trust to receive the values heart badge, which is only given to people who have already received all four other values badges.
“Jackie’s compassion and thoughtfulness for patients, relatives and colleagues has been recognised over the years. She regularly receives personal thank you cards and letters from relatives of patients. We are all missing her so much but we are keeping in touch, she is never far from our thoughts and we all giving her our love and support. As a team we are overwhelmed to receive the CEO award.”
Jacqueline has given Mr Sankaran Narayanan, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, and Dr Bajwa, consultant radiologist, the UHNM Hero award in recognition of their exemplary care.
Mr Sankaran Narayanan Dr Saba Bajwa
Jacqueline said: “Words will never be enough to show my appreciation for the excellent quality of care I received from Mr Narayanan. He is so professional and goes above and beyond to help every patient in his care.
“Throughout all my treatment he was extremely conscientious and caring, explaining everything. He is an absolute credit to the NHS and I feel so privileged to have him as my surgeon.
“Dr Bajwa is a breath of fresh air and she did her upmost to keep me from needing a second operation. In the end I needed it, but I truly appreciate all her efforts.
“Everyone that cared for me was amazing. All the ladies on the breast care team were extremely knowledgeable and professional, as were the staff on the chemotherapy unit.
“I feel I owe all these people my life. I hope my experience encourages others to get checked out if they have symptoms of breast cancer, even if they feel it’s probably nothing.”
Mr Narayanan said: “It’s a great honour to receive this award, particularly from a fellow member of staff who has been working very hard to help care for others during the pandemic. Jackie is a lovely patient. It is all a team effort.”
Dr Bajwa said: “I have worked at UHNM for a long time and am due to retire next year. I have never received an award like this and when I heard I was getting it, I was so excited I started jumping up and down in the office! It’s so lovely to be thanked by Jackie.”