Cardiff & Vale Health Charity is pleased to announce Andrew Crates, Ward Based Caterer at University Hospital Llandough, has been crowned Health Hero for February.
Andrew has been described as ‘always going the extra mile’ on every shift he works.
Multi Professional Rehab Assistant for the Stroke Rehabilitation Centre, Natalie McCulloch said, “Andrew will always go out of his way to communicate with our patients who, as they have had strokes, are often needing alternative methods of communication styles and patience. He will even offer options outside of the generic menu if he is able to, such as making custard for breakfast for a patient on end of life care who would only eat this, and subsequently not being disheartened when the patient only managed a spoonful or two.”
Andrew will endeavour to offer patients tea and coffee even if they are late for the round, especially when he knows they were unavailable at that time. He will always help relatives where possible, and always calls on staff when he sees a patient needing assistance.
Natalie continued to say, “Andrew is a truly caring soul with staff and always there for emotional support, a positive word, and a welcomed hug of encouragement to us all if we are having a bad day. He doesn’t see that he does anything ‘extra special’ but the team, and more importantly the patients, do. Many a time, patients have positively fed back on his flawless bedside manner. Andrew never seems to faulter which, in this atmosphere, is a skill I feel. We are so grateful to have him on SRC.”
Interim Catering Team Manager, Stephen Leach said, “Andrew is a valued member of the Patient Catering team with an invaluable knowledge of dietary requirements and goes above and beyond to cater to service users wants, needs and requirements.”
Andrew will be Health Hero for the month of February and will receive a treat from sponsors Park Plaza Cardiff. He is delighted with the award nomination.
The Health Hero Award is supported by Cardiff & Vale Health Charity and Park Plaza Cardiff.
If you feel you know someone who has worked tirelessly to help a colleague or patient in healthcare settings throughout Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and deserves recognition then let us know about them.
To nominate your Health Hero: Email: fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk
Nominations must include: Your name, contact details, the nominee’s name and role, plus some words explaining exactly why you think they deserve to be crowned Health Hero.
If you have already nominated someone, they will be automatically entered into the next round for consideration for the award.
Tweet #CAVhealthhero to spread the word and show your support for our fantastic NHS!