A community nurse from Waltham Forest has been recognised by the NELFT for working tirelessly to ensure people with learning disabilities were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Mohammad Soobhun won the Chair’s Special Recognition award and was highly commended in the Outstanding Achievement category at the Make a Difference Awards last month. 

As part of his work for the Community Learning Disability Team, he supports adults with learning disabilities and their carers to be as independent as possible, and to maintain their health and wellbeing.

During the pandemic, the nurse who’s a father of two, went above and beyond to make sure those unable to attend vaccination centres, were not left behind. Mohammad and his team offered vaccines in people’s homes and in schools so that everyone with a learning disability supported by the community team in Waltham Forest would be protected from the virus.

Mohammad said:

“I’m humbled to be recognised for service during the pandemic and I take pride in having successfully advocated for people with learning disabilities during an extremely difficult time. 

It wasn’t just me though, it was a truly collaborative effort, and my team is absolutely committed to reducing health inequalities and deliver the best care for the people we serve.”

Jacqui Van Rossum, NELFT acting chief executive, said:

“Mohammad’s passion for his work is an inspiration, not only to his colleagues but also to the wider community. His dedication and expertise have truly made a difference to our patients.”

The Make a Difference Awards celebrate colleagues going the extra mile to show kindness and compassion to patients and co-workers alike and make improvements across NELFT services.

The annual awards ceremony returned to NELFT headquarters for the first time since the pandemic and was attended by hundreds of staff both in person and online.