Family nurse Merry Patel, based at the East Oxford Health Centre is December’s Exceptional People award winner.

Nominated for her “inspiringly open mind”, her “unique spirit of compassion and care”, and her “thirst for constant improvement of the care she gives”, Merry was quick to place credit with her wonderful team:

She said: “The team I work in really is remarkable for being thoughtful, compassionate and caring. It enables all of us to continue to give of ourselves over long hours, across the county. We are privileged to work with young people who strive to be the very best of parents in often very challenging circumstances. I am so thankful that the trust continues to value and defend early intervention work with families, enabling us to do a job that is so rewarding.”

Every month we recognise and reward a member of staff who has made a real difference to the trust, our people and our patients. Nominations are welcome from staff, service users, patients, or friends and family of service users and patients. If you would like to nominate someone exceptional you can download a form here.