An award commemorating a much-loved colleague has been set up by the critical care and pharmacy department at Royal Sussex County Hospital, recognising individuals who have gone above and beyond for their patients and their safety.
The Jess West Award was set up in memory of Critical Care Pharmacist, Jess West.
Jess worked across Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal hospitals for over 15 years and was the Trust’s first dedicated Critical Care Pharmacist.
Leading the pharmacy team, Jess was considered fundamental in the safe running of the intensive care unit (ICU) and played a key role in planning the unit’s move into the new Louisa Martindale Building. Jess was vital in maintaining the quality and governance of the service, and her fountain of knowledge and support was valued by all.
In February 2023, Jess sadly passed away after a very short illness.
Lucy Pitt, Critical Care Matron said: “I miss her so much every day. We all do. Jess was truly brilliant. She was a role model to people and especially women. She was extremely intelligent and fun, but she always took her work seriously and she cared about safety and people.”
In the year following Jess’s passing, the team wanted a way to remember her whilst recognising the incredible impact she had across pharmacy and critical care.
Lucy explains: “I can’t describe to you how brilliant Jess was and how as a team we want her legacy to be remembered. The aim of the award is to recognise staff of any grade or job that have gone over and above to contribute to excellent patient care. Those acquainted with Jess were all aware of her unwavering commitment to excellent patient care. Her approach was marked by meticulous attention to detail, as she diligently ensured the safety and wellbeing of our critically unwell patients, consistently upholding the highest standards of evidence-based medicine.”
The award was organised by Lucy and Lead Pharmacist Mairead O’Malley who encouraged colleagues to make nominations for individuals who contributed to excellent patient care within the services.
The two winners were decided by a small panel formed of Lucy, Mairead and Jess’s wife, Karen.
Winner Jess Kirkdale, Practice Educator, had avidly campaigned for Pets as Therapy (PAT) to be offered within ICU, spending hours completing risk assessments, seeking advice from infection control, liaising with other hospitals, and collating this work to present to the Trust Board.
Jess Kirkdale’s passionate campaigning was a success and today the unit warmly welcomes six-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Billie, who regularly visits ICU with her human, Jane.
Billie’s visits bring a smile to everyone’s face, both patients and colleagues, and is a wonderful addition to the care the unit provides.
Lucy admits: “Watching long stay patients during Billie’s visit is magical, their faces light up and it lifts their spirits.
“Jess (West) would have loved Billie. We talked for hours about her own dog Mabel and their wonderful walks. She would have been a big advocate for pet therapy and I’m sad she never got to see it up and running because she would have certainly dropped everything to have been able to see Billie!”
Pharmacist Calum McWilliam was awarded for continuing to work to the highest standard in the wake of Jess’s death, making sure that patient care wasn’t compromised, whilst also being a huge support to his colleagues who were dealing with the huge loss.
During his first rotation with ICU, Calum was working in the two areas that Jess’s loss was most felt.
His nominator said: “Calum was new to the area, hospital, department and role and he started not long before we sadly lost Jess. His induction was not as it should have been, yet he has worked so hard to make sure that he knows everything that he needs to know to do the job as well as he can. He is an amazing Pharmacist and a lovely colleague and is always going above and beyond to make sure that the patients have the smoothest journey while in hospital.”
Both winners received a voucher and certificate presented by Jess’s wife Karen, she said: “I am really pleased that Jess’s colleagues have chosen to remember her with this award. She was someone who took a great deal of care and pride in doing a really good job. An award recognising great patient care feels completely appropriate.”
Special mentions were also given to Healthcare Assistant, Sid Marrero and Consultant, Clare Philips, for their fantastic efforts caring for patients.
The awards were proudly presented during an intimate ceremony followed by a lunch kindly funded by the Trust’s dedicated charity, My University Hospitals Sussex.
The critical care team now plan to present this award annually in recognition of colleagues that raise the bar in showing excellent and compassionate care for our patients, just as Jess did.