Our Monthly Star Awards

Hollywood might be out of award season, but our Star Awards are just getting going and we are delighted to announce that our February Star Award for Individual of the Month is Carl Svasti-Salee, Consultant Ophthalmologist.   

Carl's nomination for this award citied his dedication to teamwork and hard work in improving the service as the main reason why he deserves recognition as a star!

“Carl truly embodies the Trust values in his everyday work. During the time he has worked in the department he has committed to improving the patient's safety and how he has approached this has been both inspirational and a great example of a role model.”

Within his nomination many examples were listed of how Carl has worked hard to improve patient safety and experience within the Ophthalmology Department, chief of which is Carl’s regular “Tuesday Teaching” sessions that are attended by Nurses, HCAs, Orthoptists, Ophthalmic Technicians, Students and more! These targeted sessions, which Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Emilia Wawrzkowicz halted momentarily today to present Carl with his award, have helped to improve confidence, and the skill set within the team, ultimately improving the care we can provide our patients. Carl is extremely patient during his sessions and makes time to answer questions away from this designated teaching time as well. “Carl is an advocate for teaching and makes his sessions accessible to everyone.”

Carl was also a central figure in working with the registered nursing team to develop a Standard Operating Procedure. This created a process for the nurses undertaking Telephone Triage helping them to feel more self-assured in undertaking clinical decisions to support patient attendance and thus prioritising patient activity. He has written an easy guide for the team which he has shared with other teams across Divisions to give confidence in clinical prioritisation regarding what is an Ophthalmic emergency.

Carl is a true believer in learning from experiences and uses every opportunity to not just teach himself, but also those around him to ensure clinical practices constantly evolve and improve.

“I really don’t think he realises the contribution he has made to the Ophthalmology Department!”

We would like to say a huge well done and thank you to Carl. Congratulations on becoming February’s Star Award, Individual of the Month!