Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Jo Page wins VIP Award
A heartfelt nomination from a grateful patient has recognised Dr Jo Page, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP), for her outstanding dedication to patient-centred care. As a result, Dr Page has been honoured with a VIP Award—UHP’s flagship recognition scheme celebrating colleagues who go above and beyond in their roles.
Dr Page was nominated by patient Deirdre, who credits her consultant for not only delivering exceptional medical care but also for providing unwavering support through a life-changing procedure.
Deirdre, who had suffered from painful and heavy periods for years, described how she felt truly listened to from her very first appointment with Dr Page. Together, they agreed that a hysterectomy would be the best course of action, and Dr Page ensured Deirdre felt fully informed and reassured every step of the way.
Following her surgery, Dr Page continued to provide compassionate, person-centred care, addressing concerns around post-operative pain and ensuring a smooth recovery. However, two weeks post-operation, Deirdre became seriously unwell. She was admitted to the Ocean Suite, where, by chance, she saw Dr Page – an encounter that immediately put her at ease.
“I was so relieved when I saw Jo,” Deirdre said on her nomination. “She reviewed me every single day, explained everything, and made sure I was recovering well. Just three days later, I was able to go home feeling much better.”
Dr Page’s commitment to her patients extended beyond the hospital stay. She attended Deirdre’s follow-up appointment two days later to ensure she was on the right path to recovery. The consultant’s encouragement also had a lasting impact beyond medical care—Deirdre was inspired to take up running, eventually completing the London Marathon.
“Incredible doctor who works very hard,” Deirdre added. “UHP, you are lucky to have her!”
On receiving the award, Dr Page said: “It was a huge surprise to win a Values in Practice (VIP) award, and an even greater surprise to find the chief executive and my colleagues hiding in a delivery room. It really is lovely to receive appreciation from a patient and the trust.”
“As clinicians we all too easily forget the cases and interactions that go well, but not those that don’t. I feel it’s a reflection of our training and the standards we expect from ourselves. So it is a wonderfully positive initiative from the trust to introduce these awards, so that we can actually spend a little of our day thinking about what went well, rather than what did not.”
The VIP Awards are an ongoing recognition scheme at UHP, designed for staff and patients to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and achievements of colleagues. One of UHP’s core values is to Put People First, and this award reflects the hospital’s commitment to recognising those who make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and colleagues alike.
Dr Page’s award highlights the extraordinary lengths UHP staff go to in providing compassionate, expert care and improving lives.
