LGT Star of the Month July
Congratulations to Ian Dela Cruz, Ward Clerk for Ward 25 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), who has been chosen as our LGT Star of the Month for July 2024.
Ian was nominated for the 'Rising Star Award' and here is why: "Ian goes above and beyond to improve the experience for our long-stay patients at LGT. He has become an essential member of the team, serving as a strong pillar of support for Ward 25 and other wards despite joining only four months ago.
"He is always willing to help other members of the team and is currently working on the setup of patient name boards, signage, and end-of-life care boards to help improve communication and patient care.
"Ian also goes out of his way to spend time with patients who may be on Ward 25 for an extended period of time. He takes time out of his busy schedule to engage in activities with our patients such as dancing with them, listening to their stories, giving them comfort and support through uplifting talks while trying to make them smile. Some patients have even named him their favourite team member on the ward.
"Ian also works on Wards 1, 2, and 24, and is well-known among colleagues in all of these wards for his exceptional help and commitment.”
Mike Bell, Chair, at LGT, congratulated Ian and presented him with his certificate at the Trust Board meeting yesterday at University Hospital Lewisham. Ian was also presented with a £100 voucher donated by the Trust and a fruit basket, generously donated by Hasan who runs the fruit stall at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
A shocked Ian, said: "I joined Team LGT in February 2024, and receiving the LGT Star of the Month for July 2024 is an honour and inspiration.
"Working with the Ward 25 team and our elderly patients and families is a privilege. This recognition will serve as a reminder and inspiration for me to keep doing my best every day for the Ward 25 team, patients, and our local community.
"Working as Ward Clerk and first point of contact on the ward allows me to promote LGT as an amazing place to work for colleagues and a fantastic place to receive care for our patients.
"This award is dedicated to my Ward 25 team, including Senior Matron Rodney, Matron Marcia Blackwood, Ward Manager Ailah Alvarez, and all of my colleagues from different departments and wards at QEH who support me do my job effectively."
Michelle Acquah, Patient Experience Manager who chaired this month’s judging panel commented: “Ian was chosen as the LGT Star of the Month because he goes the extra mile to improve our patients' experiences and is regarded as a valued member of Team LGT. He is always willing to support his colleagues. What stood out in Ian’s nomination is that he takes time out of his busy schedule to engage in activities with our patients such as dancing with them, listening to their stories, and continuously offering encouragement and support while trying to make them smile."
