Annual award will remember Linda Grant

NHS and private eye care provider, SpaMedica, has established an award in memory of a late colleague following her unexpected death last year.

Linda Grant was one of SpaMedica’s first employees. She “helped shape the way thousands of NHS eye care patients are supported,” SpaMedica said, recognising Grant as an influential employee as the organisation grew.

Grant helped establish SpaMedica’s contact centre, and was pivotal in the development of its patient pathway and the introduction of patient co-ordinators, who support patients throughout their treatment journeys.

The Linda Grant Memorial Recognition Award will be launched in November and will be presented annually to a SpaMedica colleague or team that demonstrates “exceptional commitment to patient and customer care and embodies the kindness for which Linda was known.”

Jamie Hanson, chief operating officer at SpaMedica, said: “Linda was incredibly dedicated and compassionate, particularly when it came to patient care. She was the sort of person who genuinely wanted patients to feel comfortable and at ease. She always made a difference and that’s something we wanted to celebrate.”

Grant was one of the first colleagues who Christine Purslow, director of research and clinical innovation at SpaMedica, met when she joined the organisation.

Purslow recalled: “She was naturally warm, welcoming and genuine, and it was clear from the start that she put patients first every time. She was simply a lovely lady, beautiful inside and out. She wore an invisible crown.”

Earlier this year, 25 SpaMedica colleagues came together to remember Grant through an almost 11-mile sponsored walk from Boothstown to SpaMedica Manchester. They raised more than £1000 for the Stroke Association.

Jill Campbell-Ainger, director of clinical services at SpaMedica, described Grant as “selfless,” adding that she “never lost sight of what mattered most.”

“Her commitment to SpaMedica, its values and its people was unwavering. The positive impact she had on colleagues and patients makes it entirely fitting that an award should carry her name and honour her legacy,” Campbell-Ainger added.