UHNM Employee of the Month: Sharon Deakin
A Healthcare Support Worker who has helped to lift the spirits of patients and staff on County Hospital’s Chemotherapy Unit has been awarded UHNM’s Employee of the Month.
Sharon Deakin has introduced ‘Cocktail Hour’, serving patients receiving treatment a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails from a specially decorated trolley each afternoon.
As well as boosting moods, the initiative helps patients to drink the recommended two litres of fluids a day.
Sharon, who has worked on the Unit since January, said: “It all started off on a really warm day when I took some extra drinks around to our patients and it grew from there. Soon patients were beginning to name the drinks, and I started to bring in accessories like straws and cocktail umbrellas and decorated the drinks trolley with a flamingo, colourful lights, and a radio.
“My cocktails include orange and ginger, raspberry and lemonade, and apple and elderflower. As patients start to get a bit hungry in the afternoon, I also bring in cheese and crackers, and Nightingales Restaurant upstairs now provide oranges.
“The patients love it, it makes them smile, and they don’t release they’re getting an extra drink with their treatment. I look forward to it every day, and I feel guilty the days I’m really busy and don’t get to do it, but the patients all understand.
“I try to get out to patients in the waiting room too, as its important they have a drink too before they come into the Unit for treatment.
“I don’t take any money from anybody. It makes treatment a bit nicer for patients and brings a smile to their face. My dad had cancer when I was younger, and he never got to have this kind of treatment. My patients are my priority and it’s what I’m here for, to make their treatment a bit better.”
Sharon was nominated for her award by Kerry Pearson, Acute Oncology Nurse for County Hospital and Lorraine Duke, Iron Therapy Nurse for County Hospital.
Kery said: “Sharon is a relatively new member of our team on the Chemotherapy Unit, however she has made a huge impact, not only to the patients and their families, but to staff too. She goes above and beyond her everyday duties daily to ensure that the patients have the best experience possible when they attend the Unit for treatment.
“The patients love cocktail hour. It lifts spirits and makes them feel special, creating a lovely atmosphere during a difficult time. Sharon always ensures patients have a drink and something to eat while they wait for treatment, making a huge difference to them, as they know they are not forgotten about.”
Lorraine said: “Patients don’t realise that what she’s doing isn’t just brightening up their day, but it’s also part of their treatment. We ask them to drink two litres of fluid a day, which isn’t easy to do when they’re sat in hospital and can’t get up to walk to a drink. Sharon is full of innovative and simple ideas, and we’re very lucky to have her.”
Sharon was presented with her Employee of the Month Award by Dr Matthew Lewis, UHNM Medical Director.
Dr Lewis said: “I’m so impressed with Sharon having seen her in action, and seeing how much it means to her patients and how much it livens up their day and makes a difficult time more enjoyable. The ability to deliver part of their treatment in a way that feels like fun is terrific, and everyone is really appreciative of what she’s doing.”
Sharon said: “I absolutely adore working here and coming to work every morning, it’s the team that makes it. I have been so supported, not just with Cocktail Hour, but all my training. They’re willing to show me new things and encourage me to learn new skills.”