UHMBT hosted its first Your Health Heroes event on Friday 16 November 2012, in recognition of the endeavours of staff across its five sites.
Winners were announced in 14 categories during the ceremony at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal - some honouring those on the front line of hospital life, others highlighting the efforts of those hard at work behind the scenes.
This is the first time the public has been able to nominate hospital staff for awards, and the Trust received more than 160 nominations from patients and staff alike.
Sir David Henshaw, Chair, said: “There’s a real sense that Morecambe Bay is moving forward and a recognition of what’s been achieved. The thing that’s made the change here is everyone in the Trust getting behind it – and we’re making huge, huge progress.
“The purpose of these awards was to give us a chance to truly celebrate and appreciate the fantastic work that goes on across our hospitals by staff, volunteers, governors and fundraisers. We were looking for stories of outstanding patient care, innovative ideas, going the extra mile for colleagues and patients, and dedication to the public that knows no bounds, and we found these.”
The evening proved a roaring success for the Trust, with staff, volunteers and fundraisers taking home glittering glass trophies.
The winners were:
Innovation award 2012
Families and Babies project team – Special Care Baby Unit at Furness General Hospital (FGH) and the Neonatal Unit at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI)
Patient safety award 2012
Suzanne Shannon, Clinical Leader, FGH
Volunteer of the year 2012
Mary Kennedy and Charlotte Carroll, Volunteer Clinical Support Workers, FGH
Student / trainee of the year 2012
Sharlene Bewley, Catering Supervisor, FGH
Fundraiser of the year 2012
Hospital Equipment Fund for Furness
Behind the scenes award 2012
Michael Sear, Porter Supervisor, FGH
Registered professional of the year 2012
Bel Youngson, Occupational Therapist / Stroke and Rehabilitation Team Leader, RLI
Supporting the organisation award 2012
Steve Fairclough, Head of Health Informatics, Trust wide (based at FGH)
Midwife of the year 2012
Julie Fallows, Mental Health Midwife, RLI and Westmorland General Hospital
Doctor of the year 2012
Dr Tom Oldham, Consultant - Anaesthetics, RLI
Nurse of the year 2012
Lesley Kosturczak, Ward Manager, RLI
Team of the year 2012
FGH Children’s Ward and RLI Children’s Ward
Judges’ choice award 2012
Amanda O’Brien, Trust Cadet Coordinator, Trust wide (based at the RLI)
Special achievement award 2012
Carol Park, Senior Nurse for Surgery and Critical Care, FGH
Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive, said: “Listening to the stories of the finalists was heart-warming and inspirational – not only because of the lengths these people go to in making sure our hospitals are the best they can be, but also the reasons why they were nominated. The fact that colleagues, patients, and members of the public took the time to nominate them shows how much their work is valued and appreciated.
“We’d like to thank everyone that attended the awards ceremony and also those finalists that couldn’t attend. They are a real credit to the Trust and we can’t thank them enough for all they do. We hope these awards make them feel proud for playing their part in the future of our hospitals.
“We’d also like to thank those that nominated individuals or teams. The fact that you think so much of our staff, volunteers, governors and fundraisers means a great deal to us.”
