UHNM Hero Award Winner: Ashifa Khalifa

A clinical support worker from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) who helped ensure a patient left his appointment feeling more optimistic about his treatment and health has received praise for her kind and compassionate care. 

Ashifa Khalifa was described as “an absolute breath of fresh air” by Barry Deacon, who nominated her for a UHNM Hero Award after accompanying his 90-year-old father John to an outpatients department appointment earlier in the year. 

Ashifa, who has worked in the outpatients department for four years, was reunited with Barry at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where she was presented with her award by Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive. 

Barry, who is also UHNM’s retired former deputy director of estates, said: “I accompanied my father to outpatients for an elderly care appointment, and upon arriving we met by a clinical support worker who introduced herself as Ash. 

“Ash was an absolute breath of fresh air, going above and beyond to ensure my father was in the right place at the right time, ensuring that other staff were aware of what procedures he was having, all of which resulted in a no hiccups and very efficient visit. 

“She was kind, considerate and patient, her actions and whole approach made such a difference, and changed what could have been a very ordinary outpatients visit to one in which we felt that my father had been properly cared for and left him with an optimistic and positive feeling towards his treatment and health. I made this nomination as I wanted to say thank you to Ash, who had truly made a difference.” 

“After receiving her UHNM Hero Award, Ashifa said: “I really didn’t expect this award. This is what we are all here for, we wouldn’t be in the job if we didn’t have care and compassion for our patients.”

Ashifa was also joined by Tracy Tennant, medical outpatients and procedure suite clinic nurse manager. 

Presenting the award, Dr Constable said: “Ashifa embodies all of the values we strive for at UHNM, and is a shining example of patient-centred care.” 

Have you or a relative or friend recently stayed at UHNM and received excellent care? Did a member of staff go beyond what you expected to make your care or that of your loved one exceptional? Nominate them for a UHNM Hero Award here.