During the heavy snow and ice over the last week, we’ve all heard many stories of people going above and beyond the call of duty to help others.
One area where is was dominant was in the provision of health services on the Island.
Although many GP surgeries, hospital appointments and operations were cancelled, inpatients continued to be cared for and outreach services such as the district nurse, carried on throughout the difficulties.
The Island NHS are keen to recognise those who went the extra mile (excuse the pun) and are inviting Islanders to nominate their NHS snow heroes.
Sheila Paul, Chief Operating Officer for NHS Isle of Wight says: “Right across the Island NHS staff worked tirelessly to ensure that essential services were kept running. In the community GPs, Pharmacists, Opticians and Dentists as well as community health services like district nursing and midwives continued to keep the health service ‘above the snowline’. Staff and volunteers in mental health and learning disability services, at St. Mary’s Hospital, the emergency ambulance service and patient transport all worked hard to ensure that patients continued to get the services they needed. And the health service received some remarkable help from Islanders with 4x4s, teachers and the Coastguard service, to name just a few.
“It is important that we recognise those who went the extra distance to maintain the health and wellbeing of Island residents. We want to hear from Islanders – both members of the public and those that work for the NHS. You may be a patient or visitor wanting to nominate a healthcare worker or volunteer or the team of people that you came into contact with during the snow. If you are a member of staff or volunteer you can nominate an individual colleague or a team.”
All you need to do is complete a nomination by downloading the form from the NHS Website and sending it by snail mail or email.
The closing date for nominations is Friday 29th January 2010.
Image: IW NHS
