'˜Outstanding' Neil scoops accolade

Neil, who manages the minor injury unit at Whitworth Hospital in Darley Dale, was put forward by many colleagues for his approachable and motivating leadership, commitment to developing the best possible minor injury services and supporting his staff.

The award for leadership excellence was presented to Neil during the Extra Mile Awards ceremony at Derby’s Roundhouse last month.

Members of the minor injury unit team Wendy Oldfield, Julie Shackleton, Fiona Ballantyne, Elaine Julie Collins and Wendy Hodgkinson supported the nomination for Neil to receive the award.

Colleague Wendy Oldfield said: “He is an amazing planner and communicator. He is a brilliant motivator and problem solver.

“He is approachable and always has a can-do attitude. When faced with a problem that would seem impossible, he always manages to find a solution. Not only that, but it’s usually a solution that pleases all parties. He is a fantastic role model and is able to work at any level, increasing his popularity and respect among all the team members.”

Chesterfield resident Neil, who has been in the NHS for 22 years, held various senior nursing roles before becoming the manager of Whitworth Hospital’s minor injury unit two and a half years ago.

The award is presented for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and skills to develop an effective, efficient and thriving team. After receiving his award Neil said: “It means the world to me that the team put me forward, but we are all one. It helps to put MIU at the forefront as a service. Increasingly we find people are coming to us rather than go to their GP or A&E.”

Under Neil’s leadership, Whitworth Hospital’s minor injury unit achieved an outstanding rating in a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and was one of the first of the trust’s clinical teams to achieve the highest result in an internal quality assessment.

There were over 260 nominations and 49 finalists for the 2016 awards which is now in its fourth year.