Maxine Buyanga

Matron for ICU at GWH during the Covid-19 pandemic and Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing for Surgery, Women and Children division

Maxine said: “I am humbled to be on the list of finalists however, I will never ever forget that team effort is what saw us through Covid-19 pandemic. This recognition is a celebration of facilitative leadership which embraces inclusivity, collaboration, empowerment, motivation, diversity and compassion. It was an honour to serve my team, organisation and the community during this crisis.”

She was nominated by Kate Myrie, communications and engagement officer at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who said: “Maxine has been an incredible leader throughout the last few months, supporting and encouraging her team who have been working long and tiring hours looking after very sick patients on ICU. She has been regularly uploading training videos and holding virtual sessions with her team to ensure they are up-to-date on all necessary skills, and also uses these sessions as a chance to re-group her team and offer any support they might need. Prior to Covid-19, she was instrumental in a programme of work around nutrition and hydration which saw the introduction of new pictorial menus designed to encourage vulnerable patients, often those with dementia, to choose their meals and be engaged in eating. She also worked with our Trust charity, Brighter Futures, to fundraise for droplet cups, a device which encourages patients to drink regularly by lighting up and playing recorded messages from loved ones.”

Dr Anthony Kerry

Consultant respiratory physician, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Dr Kerry said: “I am honoured and humbled to be selected as a ‘Care Hero’ finalist in the Newsquest Swindon and Wiltshire Health & Social Care Awards 2021. I strive to provide high quality care to my patients and help involve as many people as possible in the Recovery trial of treatments for Covid.”

He was nominated by Kate Myrie, communications and engagement officer at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who said: “Dr Kerry has been caring for patients admitted with respiratory issues as a result of Covid-19. Dr Kerry works primarily on Neptune, our respiratory ward, and supports patients who require oxygen support. Alongside his consultant duties, Dr Kerry has also been supporting with a number of Covid-19 clinical trials this year, in his role as local principle investigator. One of the trials that Dr Kerry has been instrumental in leading is the Recovery trial, which seeks to understand potential treatment options for Covid-19, including drugs previously used for HIV and malaria. Dr Kerry has been working with a number of patients at the Trust to support their participation in the trial, talking them through the process, offering wellbeing support and communicating with families. Through Dr Kerry’s work, patients at GWH and across the country, have got better quicker, and numbers of patients admitted to ICU and dying of the virus have decreased as a result of the treatments identified through the trial.”

Dr Catherine Strait

Clinical Lead in Acute Medicine at Great Western Hospital

Dr Strait said: “‘I am delighted and humbled to be nominated as a finalist. It has been an Unprecedented year where all of us at GWH worked as one team to keep our patients and each other safe. I am honoured to be part of the amazing team.”

She was nominated by Kate Myrie, communications and engagement officer at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who said: “Catherine helps lead the acute medicine team in one of the busiest places in Great Western Hospital. She has made a real difference to the lives of her team during the pandemic. She has been a visible and positive presence throughout the pandemic. Nothing has been too much trouble and her efforts have been really appreciated. If you ever need a volunteer to give more, Catherine’s hand always goes up! This has really helped her team to feel supported and secure, in a world where everything was changing and working flexibly was a must. Catherine helped to bring stability to her team which, in turn, meant that her patients could receive the best quality care.”