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NHS Champions: Dedicated support gives hope to those losing their sight
Sophie Goodchild, Health Editor14.10.08
Jo Driscoll works with visually impaired patients who need special help and practical advice.
Her role requires sensitivity as she is dealing with people who are often in denial about going blind.
But those referred to the patient support officer, based at Moorfields Eye Hospital in East London, usually leave her office smiling.
The mother-of-four, 67, has been instrumental in ensuring patients receive the most up-to-date information about the benefits they can receive.
A trained short-hand typist, Mrs Driscoll has worked for 20 years at Moorfields, which treats patients from all over the country.
The hospital's "certificate of visual impairment" team has three staff, including Mrs Driscoll, and they work closely with Moorfield's doctors.
In an interview with the Standard, she said many people are "scared and frightened" when they first visit her.
She said: 'People can be pretty upset. They've been attending the hospital and hoping the doctor is going to restore their sight.
"They're scared and they're frightened and think 'what does this mean?' A lot of people are also worried about how they'll look when their sight fails. Often you find yourself sitting with someone and they feel a lot better when they leave. Sometimes they even end up giving me a kiss or hug."
Her patients range from visually impaired teenagers who want to stay at college to young mothers who are reliant on their children for support.
Colleagues describe Mrs Driscoll as "cheerful" and "helpful".
She said: "At times it can be upsetting but I wouldn't still be working here if I wasn't still enthusiastic."
It is this type of dedication that the Evening Standard, leading think tank The King's Fund and NHS London is celebrating through the NHS Champions awards.
These awards celebrate the achievements of London healthcare staff who go beyond the call of duty.
NOMINATE YOUR NHS CHAMPION
The NHS Champions awards are back - to pay tribute to London's dedicated healthcare professionals. They honour the courage, hard work and sacrifice of people who rarely get celebrated within the health service.
Independent think-tank The King's Fund is running the awards in association with the evening Standard and NHS London to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS. From paramedics to hospital porters, from ward sisters to consultants, these are the healthcare professionals who work untiringly on our behalf.
Many have risked their lives in dangerous situations such as the London bombings or provided comfort to seriously injured accident victims. You can help our judges decide the winners by nominating the staff you believe are the most deserving. Every eligible nominee will receive a certificate from The King's Fund and the evening Standard and shortlisted individuals will be invited to an awards ceremony in early December. The six finalists will all receive a special trophy from a distinguished panel of judges. Panel members include the BBC's George Alagiah and dotcom entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox who describe their lifesaving NHS experiences here.
Do you know an NHS champion? If so, this is your chance to give them the credit they deserve.
To make a nomination log on to www.nhschampions.org.uk
Or print off and send the form via Freepost to: NHS Champions, The King's Fund, Freepost 23 Ke3007, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London W1e 0AX.
The closing date for nominations is 16 October.
