Putting patients first and working hard in one of them most complex areas of healthcare are just some of the reasons our Acute Crisis and Assessment Team (ACAT) was chosen as the winner of the Team/Department award at our annual staff Make a Difference awards.

As we began our response to COVID-19, we had to cancel our awards ceremony in March – but we didn’t let the pandemic stop us celebrating our amazing colleagues. Including the ACAT, who cares for people when they are often at their most vulnerable, but does everything they can to enable patients to stay in their local community.

Although we couldn’t come together for our celebrations in the same way this year, we decided to celebrate their amazing achievement a little differently with a surprise visit from our Chief Executive, Professor Oliver Shanley OBE, and Chair, Joe Fielder.

With the team together and socially distanced – with no idea they were about to win – they were thoroughly surprised to receive their award in recognition of the fantastic work they do in often highly pressurised situations.

Oliver Shanley, Chief Executive, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to present ACAT with the Team of the Year award. They’re a fantastic team who do amazing things for the organisation and our patients every day. They are such worthy winners and I’m privileged to be part of their celebrations.”

Joe Fielder, Chair, said: “The ACAT is exemplary and they do incredibly vital work right on the front line of one of the most difficult and complex services we offer in the health service. I applaud them and I am delighted to be here to present them with their award.”

Ola Johnson, Acute Crisis Service Manager: “It’s about team work and we have stuck together through thick and thin. This team works their socks off and without complaining, so it’s great to be recognised.”

Astrid Duminy, Assistant Director Mental Health Crisis Services : “Whatever it is you ask of the team, they always step up and respond. I’m really proud we could all stop and have this moment together.”

Their colleague who nominated them said: “ACAT is a highly pressurised team who go the extra mile to ensure patient assessments are carried out in a timely manner and their needs are met. They also take patients to housing, food banks and back home after being discharged.”

Every year our Make a Difference Awards recognise staff who go above and beyond to deliver great care for our patients and support each other, and the ACAT – who were selected as a winner before the pandemic – are examples of true NHS heroes.

Meet all our Make a Difference winners

• NELFT Nurse Award: Rose Mitchell, Community Staff Nurse
• Care and Compassion Award: Rose Mitchell, Community Staff Nurse
• Team/Department Award: Acute Crisis and Assessment Team (ACAT)
• Leadership Award: Debbie Feetham, Assistant Director Immediate Care
• Outstanding Achievement Award: Salim Danyen, Integrated Care Assistant
• Improvement to Services Award: Karen Mills, Deputy Ward Manager
• Working in Partnership Award: Jennifer Iheanetu, School Nurse
• Chair’s Special Recognition Award: Justine Reed, Respiratory Nurse
• Harm Free Care Award: Diane Quinn, Community Mental Health Nurse