Susie is Star after reducing cancellations on the day of surgery

Susie Kershaw, Pre-Surgical Call Assistant at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital, has been named as December’s winner of the RJAH Stars Award – after being recognised for her dedication to supporting waiting lists.

Susie was nominated by Lisa Hughes, Baschurch Day Unit Manager at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, in recognition of her exceptional commitment to going above and beyond to ensuring patients receive a pre-surgical call.

The calls Susie is carrying out has significantly reduced the number of medical cancellations on the day of surgery.

Lisa said: “Susie is very dedicated to her job and always gives 100%. She goes above and beyond to ensure patients receive a pre-surgical call, helping to reduce the number of medical cancellations on the day.

“She will seek advice from members of the Pre-Operative Assessment team, Pharmacy, and Consultant Surgeons to ensure patients are assessed correctly should a problem be identified during the call.

"In November, 18 patients were cancelled before their admission date due to issues Susie identified, meaning these theatre slots could be filled with other patients who were waiting for a surgery date.”

The RJAH Stars Award is presented monthly to individuals and teams across the Oswestry-based hospital who are nominated by their colleagues for going above and beyond.

Susie said: “It was so nice and so special to receive this award – it was just a lovely thing to receive, and I want to thank Lisa for my nomination. I love working at this hospital and Baschurch is a lovely unit to work on and a great team to be a part of.

“I’ve not long joined the team from the Pre-Operative Assessment Unit. It was great to work there too, but it has been easy to fit in with my new team and I feel very much a part of it here.”

Chief Executive Stacey Keegan presented a keepsake certificate, voucher and box of chocolates – donated by the League of Friends – to Susie.

She said: “Susie does a fantastic job, and with the challenges we have right now with patients waiting, it couldn’t be more important. Everyone in this organisation plays a huge part.

“It was an honour to go and see her to present this award. She is making a real difference to our patients, and I thank her for her hard work.”