July's Hospital Hero - Paul Hepworth
24 July 2014
Hospital Heroes
Paul Hepworth, emergency planning and liaison officer
When Southend was hit by the extreme weather at the end of July,
Southend Hospital's A&E department experienced limited flooding
after a storm drain 'popped' its lid.
The actions and quick thinking of all the staff on duty, or who
came in that day, were commended and rewarded with the hospital
unanimously choosing them as this month's Hospital
Heroes.
As two inches of water came into a section of A&E, no mean
feat given the drains have six foot shafts and two inch thick lids
which shows just how much the water pressure increased within such
a short space of time, the staff rose to the occasion.
The overall winner of the award was emergency planning and
liaison officer, Paul Hepworth. Described as a serial unsung hero
who plays such an important and often behind the scenes role, Paul
on that day demonstrated once again his commitment and unwavering
professionalism to the job.
Paul was at home, however as soon as he realised the extremity
of the weather he called in to check that all was okay, heading
onto site immediately to assist with the clean-up
operation.
A typically modest Paul, said: "A total of 44 people, from right
across all areas of the hospital, were highlighted for their
endeavours that day, which includes people who were doctors,
nurses, from facilities, emergency department assistants,
porters,receptionists, a domestic,clinical site manager and senior
manager on call.
"This really summed up the values of the hospital and how we all
work as a team, together for the patients. Despite this
unexpected event, our staff remained professional, responsible and
above all caring in ensuring the safety and well-being of all our
patients. We were all just doing our job but I'm sure I speak for
all of us when I say that it's great to be recognised this
way."