Team-spirited PA scoops outstanding colleague award
A dedicated PA who boosts team morale with everything from birthday cards to team lunches has received a special award for her incredible service at Solent NHS Trust.
Kerrie Lowe, PA to Mark Young, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, was named Outstanding Colleague at the Trust’s inaugural Support Colleagues Awards, where she was described as hard-working, committed and team spirited.
Guests heard how Kerrie went far beyond her job description to make every member of the Estates and Facilities team feel supported and included.
From baking cakes for colleagues to organising team get-togethers and Christmas quizzes, Kerrie goes out of her way to bring everyone together, which has been particularly important since the covid pandemic.
Kerrie has worked for Solent NHS Trust, and previously Southampton Community Health and Southampton City PCT for 30 years, the last ten of which have been as a PA in the Estates and Facilities team.
Despite her busy role, Kerrie always has time to help everyone across the department with queries, rostering, invoices and organising meetings – and goes out of her way to make everyone feel included socially as well.
Kerrie, based at Westwood House in Bitterne, Southampton, was nominated for the new award by Estates Project Officer Rochelle Sampson-Clarke.
Rochelle said: “The lack of face to face contact has been a challenge for some members of the team but by having Kerrie, who is so supportive and inclusive, to actively bring us together makes working here very pleasant and lifts morale.
“By feeling included and part of the team, I have no doubt that myself and colleagues have been more motivated within our roles as we know that Kerrie is always there to help.
“The support of someone like Kerrie has proven invaluable during my time in the team and it is one that will leave a lasting impact on me. People like Kerrie are the reason why Solent is a great place to work.”
Mark Young, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities, said: “We are so lucky to have Kerrie. She goes far beyond being an excellent PA; her kindness and thoughtfulness to others stretches across the whole team and helps bring everyone together.
“Kerrie is a real asset to the team and Solent as an organisation, and many of us would struggle to do our jobs without her. I am delighted she has won this award, which is very much deserved.”
When she isn’t organising the team at Solent Estates and Facilities, Kerrie keeps herself busy working as a dance teacher and also enjoys baking, sewing and spending time with her husband, daughters and grandson.
She said: “I was surprised to be nominated for this award let alone win it. Estates and Facilities are an incredible team and I love being part of it.”
Kerrie was presented with a trophy, framed certificate and gift voucher by Andrew Strevens, Solent NHS Trust Chief Executive, and Darren Humphrey, Head of Quality and Professions.
Solent Estates and Facilities had 15 teams and individuals nominated in the awards, which took place at the Solent Hotel, Whiteley.
