Surgery Champion
Surgery Champion
Each of our six clinical divisional champion awards recognise individuals and teams that consistently demonstrate exceptional commitment to patient-centred care, through empathy, communication and respect. They collaborate with colleagues, innovate for improvement and put their patients at the heart of all they do. Here’s what their colleagues wrote about them in the nominations.
Maria Innes, Prostate Clinical Nurse Specialist
Maria is an extremely hard-working member of the Urology Team and has been nominated for the outstanding contributions she has made to our trust.
Described as knowledgeable, reliable and very approachable, she provides compassionate, expert care and guidance to patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, helping them and their families navigate the complex emotional and clinical challenges they face.
In addition to her clinical excellence, Maria actively drives new projects and innovations within the department. She has spearheaded initiatives to improve patient pathways, integrating the latest research and technology to enhance care delivery. Her forward-thinking mindset ensures that the Urology Team’s services are constantly evolving to meet the highest standards.
Maria is also a natural role model and mentor within the team. Her professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment inspire colleagues at all levels to strive for excellence. She also willingly shares her expertise, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Nima Abbassi-Ghadi, Consultant Oesophageal Surgeon
As Clinical Team Lead for the unit, Nima has stepped up to the role brilliantly and helped the team make remarkable progress in the face of a significant increase in volume of work. He has helped the unit take on an additional area of patients and managed the introduction of robotic surgery.
Nima’s skill in leading the changes have put the unit in the position of being the highest volume centre in the UK for oesophagectomies. The unit also has some of the best results internationally for patient care.
Nima enables impeccable multidisciplinary working in every aspect of a patient’s care, making sure that every voice is heard and every role is respected. He encourages an environment of learning and supports every member of the team to do their best. Above all, he keeps the patients at the centre of his actions and will go above and beyond at every opportunity to care for them. He is an incredible role model and inspiration to the team.
Trauma and Orthopaedics Leadership Team
The Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) Leadership Team is a fantastic example of how both individuals and teams can embody our Royal Surrey values every day. Despite being one of the most challenged specialities in the trust, encountering a series of difficulties, including long waiting lists over the last 10 years, the team members are inspiring role models to all around them.
Members of the T&O team start every day with a positive outlook and encourage a culture of innovation, high standards and conscientious leadership. Day by day, improvements have been made to patient services within the department and, while the journey to recovery is long, the determined approach of the team will take it there sustainably.
The T&O Team brilliantly demonstrates how strong collaboration between medical, nursing and administrative leadership is a recipe for success for our patients.