Congratulations to Julie, our STAR Award winner

Julie is an Outpatients Clinic Clerk at Liaison Psychiatry in the Brotherton Wing of Leeds General Infirmary.

She was nominated for the STAR Award by a number of her colleagues for being ‘committed’ and ‘polite and helpful’.

When patients come for appointments, Julie will usually be their first point of contact and they often talk about how friendly and approachable she is when dealing with their appointment requests and how welcoming she is when they arrive at the clinic.

On receiving her award, Julie said: “It’s nice to hear the patients are so complimentary of me but I’m just being myself and I care about the job I do. It’s all down to personality and understanding the patient’s needs.”

Anna Errington, Occupational Therapist, nominated Julie for the award. She said: “Julie is really friendly and her commitment allows us to offer a better service to patients which improves patient experience. Patients are often anxious on arrival and Julie manages to talk to them and calm them down prior to their appointment. She can experience hostility from patients but always maintains polite and helpful.

“On one occasion, Julie realised one of the patients had a long wait for hospital transport to take them home so she fetched her lunch and kept them company while they waited.”

Julie said: “If I can help in any way then I will. I enjoy the contact I have with patients and if they thank us at the end then it shows we’re doing a good job.”

The STAR Awards recognise staff who go above and beyond the call of duty and are passionate about providing the best possible service to service users, carers and staff. Each month’s winner receives £100 in high street vouchers, a framed certificate and an invitation to the Trust’s annual awards night.