Sidmouth community matron receives a nomination for the 2013 Heathcare Hero Awards 2013.

Sidmouth Herald: Community matron Debbie Stoodley.Community matron Debbie Stoodley. (Image: Archant)

‘Nothing is too much trouble’ for Sidmouth community matron Debbie who has been highlighted as another worthy candidate for the 2013 Heathcare Hero Award for the support and care she offers patients and their families.

Debbie Stoodley, the community matron at Sidmouth Hospital, was nominated by Mrs L Waterman, of Sidford.

Mrs Waterman said: “Dr R Dell asked Debbie to come and see me after having a stroke in November 2009. I had two strokes within a few weeks of each other. The first took my right leg and arm, and the second it was my swallowing and speech. This left me with seizures, which can be nasty and horrible.

“If it wasn’t for Dr R Dell asking Debbie for support, I would not know what to do as I also suffer from brittle asthma. Debbie is always there for you. She will try to drop things if she can to help and come and see you in emergencies, which she has done due to me having a seizure and asthma attack at the same time.

“Debbie was on her way home at the time, when my husband rang her. Debbie is very supportive. Nothing is too much trouble for her as she listens and cares.

“If Debbie can help, she will do what she can. Debbie was here for me when my husband was in hospital for five weeks in 2010 with pneumonia.

“Debbie cares passionately about people in the community, as she did when my husband came home. Debbie still visits every month but when problems do occur she will visit every week.

“This is why I like Debbie. She understands patients’ problems and cares. Debbie has done lots for me and this is why I wish to nominate her.”

Richard Anderson, the health and social care cluster manager for Seaton, Axminster and Sidmouth, added: “I have worked with Debbie for about six years and her reputation as the perfect example of how to do the community matron job spreads far and wide. Debbie is hardworking, conscientious, caring, facilitative, positive and professional – I could go on! I fully support this nomination.”

The 2013 Heathcare Hero Awards are being run by the Sidmouth Herald in conjunction with Northern Devon Heathcare NHS Trust, and recognises members of staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Send nominations to reporter Katy Griffin at katy.griffin@archant.co.uk or write to: Midweek Herald, Fair Oak Close, Exeter Airport Business Park, Clyst Honiton EX5 2UL. The deadline for nominations is midnight on Tuesday, December 31.