UHNM Employee of the Month Winner: Isabel Roberts

A Pharmacist who oversaw the update of the electronic systems used by the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s Cancer Centre has been awarded UHNM’s Employee of the Month. 

Isabel Roberts, Lead Pharmacist for Oncology, dedicated her own time, missing family engagements, to make sure the new system, used to ensure safe and up-to-date treatment for cancer patients, was ready to be used on time.

She was nominated by colleague and friend Marie Carter, Oncology Pharmacist, who describes Isabel as, “the most modest person you’ll ever meet”.

Marie said: “Isabel has been involved in the update of the electronic systems used within the Cancer Centre which are used by all the staff to ensure safe and up-to-date treatment of all patients at UHNM receiving systemic chemotherapy, supportive medication and radiotherapy for oncology and haematology diseases. 

“Isabel worked all over the weekend testing the system so it was safe to use on the Monday morning when the staff and patients arrived. Isabel missed a family engagement and went above and beyond her usual role to ensure all went smoothly and we were all able to start work without delay.

“She never tells people about all the amazing work she does to ensure all staff are supported through some very difficult and stressful times. Nor does she tell anyone about the incredible work she does as a Pharmacy prescriber. Her talents are many, and she is extremely modest. 
“I nominated Isabel to show her that we all really appreciate the work she does, and the support she provides to us all. She is absolutely an amazing example of the fabulous staff we have working within the Pharmacy Department and for UHNM.”

Isabel was presented with her award earlier today by Dr Adrian Large, Deputy Medical Director. 

Ben Jones, Directorate Manager said: “The way Isabel has conducted the upgrade has been exemplary. To her, no task is too big or too small, she is a total team player and very humble. She typifies the Trust Values and what really makes the Pharmacy Directorate a great place to work. She’s one of the key leaders in the team, and without her dedication, this essential upgrade probably wouldn’t have come off.”

Nicky Stringer, Deputy Director of Pharmacy said: “Isabel has worked for UHNM for over 20 years and is a valued member of the team, being the expert on medical oncology from a Pharmacy perspective. She’s an absolute star in the Pharmacy Department, and epitomises all the Trust values, we’re very proud of her.”

Speaking after receiving her award, Isabel said: “It’s lovely to have heard all the kind words from everybody. This really was a team effort, not only by Pharmacy, but the Oncology and Haematology Departments. We all put in a lot of time to make sure the upgrade was completed safely, recognising how important it is to do the testing.  A lot of work like this that happens in the background isn’t really recognised, so it’s nice to have that acknowledgement.”