Sam Koomson works as a Health Care Assistant at Greenvale Nursing Home in Streatham and has been nominated by both his manager and the wife of a patient who wrote about Sam that:

‘I am writing to inform you of my utmost respect for Sam Koomson. He is an excellent carer. He is always happy and eager to look after patients at Greenvale. Nothing is too much trouble for him. On Monday 14th March Sam accompanied us to King’s Dental Hospital. We were there for nine hours. Sam remained alert and helpful all the time. My husband had to be sedated twice during the morning before the general anaesthetic. When he woke from the first anaesthetic he was very agitated. Sam calmed him and helped him to relax until the second anaesthetic could be administered. Sam was cheerful and calm throughout the long day. He spoke to nursing staff at the hospital and kept us up to date on what was happening. Sam arranged our transport back to Greenvale. The journey was not good for my husband because he was strapped onto a gurney. He could not move and became very agitated. Throughout the journey Sam tried to help him calm down. Sam thought of everything. From preparing for the journey to the hospital, throughout the long day and when we returned ensuring that we were comfortable. Then he found the energy to complete his paperwork. Sam is kind, caring, intelligent and professional’.

And his manager wrote about Sam that:

‘Sam has always displayed a caring selfless attitude towards the patients in his care. We believe that he is a good role model and his practice is exemplary as a Band 2 nurse. He goes the extra mile by ensuring that person centred care is utmost in his dealings with patients by respecting each individual as a person in their own right irrespective of race, colour or creed. Sam also takes his study days seriously and will take the time by visiting an area that he is unsure of prior to attending his study day. He is diligent in his work and displays professionalism and integrity in his manner of work. He quietly goes about his duties but contributes in ward discussions, reports where appropriate and obviously enjoys his work as a Band 2 Care Assistant. He is also capable of working as a Band 3 and helps in the care planning implementation for patients. Overall Sam is unassuming, pleasant, kind and honest individual, who is not a clock watcher at the end of his shift and would willingly stay behind to help when there is staff shortage or escort needed for patients. Patients and relatives are very much aware of is devotion and caring attitude. He is an asset to our unit’.