Published 3 October 2022
A team working with patients who have spent time in critical care have won an award for making a difference.
East Kent Hospitals’ critical care rehabilitation and follow-up team won the keyworker category in the BBC Radio Kent Make a Difference Awards.
The news was announced during a gala dinner in Maidstone on Monday evening, attended by critical care follow-up specialist nurse Lucy Mummery and critical care specialist physiotherapist Sarah Gotke, who had been named as one of four finalists in their category.
They were nominated by two of their patients, particularly for their weekly virtual group offering physiotherapy and the opportunity for questions and group discussions for people who have been treated in critical care. They also run a monthly support group online.
Lucy said: “We were overwhelmed to be nominated and we never dreamed we would win; it was such a surprise.
“The other finalists were all very deserving and we are truly honoured that we were chosen.
“It is a privilege to work with such a fantastic group of people and to be able to make a real difference to our patients.”
Patients described the group as a godsend, and said it gave them hope and courage to face the future. Being able to hear others’ experiences reassured them they were not alone and gave them a sense of community.
Sarah said: “It is our group members who are the real heroes – they do all the hard work.
“It’s wonderful to see them progress over the weeks and months and we were so grateful to be nominated and absolutely amazed to win.
“We are just doing our job so it is lovely to be recognised.”
BBC Radio Kent Make a Difference Awards organiser Andy Garland said: “It was great to meet Lucy and Sarah and see them in action running a session at the Kent and Canterbury hospital. It was really humbling to hear all our winners’ stories and the work they’re doing in the county.”
