Dedicated teams from across Warrington and Halton NHS Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust came together on Friday evening for an uplifting awards ceremony filled with inspiration, admiration, and positivity.
Winners in 12 categories were announced as 300 staff, volunteers and sponsors attended the Trust’s annual Thank You Awards, held at the Concorde Conference Centre.
Individuals and teams gathered to recognise their hard work, outstanding achievements and those who have excelled in their field. This year there were more than 300 nominations for the awards, which were hosted by Smooth Radio’s Jo Lloyd.
The Clinical Team of the Year Award was collected by the Acute Medicine Team. Recognised for their work to provide high quality care to patients, the team were praised for giving ‘100% at all times’ and working ‘tirelessly on a daily basis to keep patients safe’.
Two special awards were also presented during the event. Recognised for her commitment to going above and beyond, Diane Skidmore received the Special Recognition Award for her work in the Trust’s Finance Team. Diane was described as someone who is ‘so dedicated to her role’ and ‘goes the extra mile with everything she does’.
This year’s Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals’ Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Deputy Medical Director, Dr Anne Robinson. Chosen each year by the Trust’s Chief Executive Simon Constable, the special award is given to a colleague that has made an exceptional contribution to the organisation as a whole. Dr Robinson has a long list of accomplishments, with an NHS career spanning more than 40 years.
The People’s Choice Award went to the Neonatal Unit Team. New this year, the award invited members of the public to submit a nomination for an individual, team, ward or department that has made a positive difference to their experience at Warrington and Halton Hospitals during the past 12 months. The nomination recognised the teams who work to care for the most vulnerable infants and provide support during the most precious yet challenging times that some families face.
WHH Chief Executive Simon Constable reflected on the inspirational evening and the wide representation of staff in the room that truly reflected the different roles across the Trust that play a part in delivering services. He told invited guests: “We could not have an awards ceremony like this one if it wasn’t for your unwavering dedication to our hospitals, our patients and our communities. Events like this really do shine a spotlight on the outstanding work that is undertaken day in, day out, and give us the opportunity to share your successes and achievements more widely.”
Other accolades on the night included the Patient Safety Award, collected by the Paediatric Seven Day Services Project Team for their work to support the safer care of young patients, and the Rising Star Award presented to Gill Tyrer for her work within the Discharge Team for being a ‘standout member of the Trust’ with an infectious positive attitude and work ethic.
The Strategy and Partnerships Team received the Innovation and Improvement Award to recognise their work on several pioneering developments including the Living Well Hub in Warrington town centre and Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre, based at the Nightingale Building in Halton and at Runcorn Shopping City.
Demonstrating her commitment to the WHH Trust values, Dr Liz Nolan received the prestigious Colleague of the Year Award. Liz, who was nominated for her inspirational leadership, commitment and determination to provide the best care for patients, said: “Warrington Hospital means the world to me and all I want to do is make it better each day.”
The event, made possible thanks to sponsors Kier Construction, Ryder Architecture, Warrington Borough Council, City Build, Hill Dickinson, Weightmans, the University of Chester, NHS Professionals, BT, Law by Design, Transform Performance International, Avrenim, Just R, Patchwork, Belong Villages, Keelagher Okey Klein, D&G Builders & Joiners and CMP, also featured a three course-meal, DJ and prize draw, with a record total of £2,394 raised on the night for Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity.
The WHH Thank You Awards were launched in 2009 to recognise staff, care givers and volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their work to support quality patient care and experience.
