THE RED carpet was rolled out to celebrate the talented and dedicated heroes of Gloucestershire’s health service.
Gloucestershire’s NHS Foundation Trust’s glitzy Staff Awards were a chance to pause and celebrate the many extraordinary and hard-working members of staff across the width of the county.
Awards in 17 different categories were presented to everyone from support workers, volunteers and specialist teams who go the extra mile to provide patient care, make medical breakthroughs and save lives.
Nominations ranged from praise for a single act of kindness to a life changing operation or healthcare relationship built over many years.
An all-star cast were on hand at the event on Thursday November 12 to celebrate the inspirational work of these ‘healthcare heroes’.
The Trust’s chief executive Dr Frank Harsent said: “We know as an organisation that it’s the people – our staff - who really make the difference to the care we deliver.
“Whether nominated for their awards by colleagues or by patients, being recognised for long service or for learning and development, everyone here has excelled in their fields and we are delighted to join the, in celebrating their success.”
Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk also gave a speech, paying tribute to the ‘fantastic and tireless’ work of NHS staff in Gloucestershire.
One big winner of the night was Professor Peter Scanlon, who claimed the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of service tirelessly working to improve services for patients with diabetic eye disease.
Prof Scanlon has been Clinical Director for the national Diabetic Eye Screening Programme since 2003 and has conducted ground-breaking research in the field.
Gastroenterology ward sisters Alison Hutt, Cath Butler and Annie Eylan scooped up the coveted Katherine Felix award for development in nursing.
The Biophotonics Research Unit took home the Innovation Award, while the outstanding clinical leader of the year went to Jane Benfield.
Healthcare Professional of the year was given to Anita Ashton, and the best Healthcare Team was Palliative Care.
Top prizes of the night were the Patient’s Choice Awards, with the individual award going to Moira Montague.
Her nomination described her as a ‘special lady that cares for people like no other person can’.
Speaking to the SNJ after the ceremony, she said she was ‘absolutely over the moon’.
“It was so nerve-wracking beforehand, but this award really means the world to me,” said Moira, who has worked on wards in Gloucestershire for 13 years.
The award was shortly followed by the Patient’s Choice Awards team category, which was won by Play Specialists and HCAs from the Children’s Centre.
Their nomination paid tribute to the group’s ‘exceptional’ communication skills and ‘vital work going above and beyond’ their duties.
Speeches and prizes were interspersed with comedy, and poetry readings, with the evening finally being rounded off with a rousing performance from the 40-strong Caring Choir.
The annual ceremony was held at Hatherley Manor in Down Hatherley this year
Sponsors for the night included Alpha Colour Printers, Rickard Interiors, King’s Builders, Safe at Home and The West of England Academic Health Science Network.
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