A TEAM working tirelessly to provide the best possible emergency care in the most challenging circumstances are among those who have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony.
Winners in 13 categories were announced as almost 300 guests attended Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Thank You Awards at the Concorde Arena, near Manchester Airport, on Friday evening (March 17).
The awards have not been held in person since 2019 – pre-Covid pandemic – making it an extra special occasion for staff and teams from across the Trust who attended the event, hosted by Smooth Radio presenter Jo Lloyd.
And with more than 300 nominations received the judging panel had an almost impossible task deciding on the final shortlist.
The Emergency Department and Same Day Emergency Care Unit collected the Excellence in Patient Care award after being praised for ‘working tirelessly to provide the best possible patient care during challenging times’.
Those who nominated the team said: “Despite the pressures they face, and the associated changes to ways of working, they consistently rise to the challenge. Both areas have shown themselves to be dedicated to working efficiently to improve patient care in an innovative way.”
Two special awards were presented during the evening. Mark Jones, radiology manager at WHH, received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
Mark was described by those who nominated him as a ‘truly outstanding leader who is committed to providing the highest quality service possible and leads the way when it comes to making positive changes – his can-do attitude is inspiring’.
Meanwhile the Special Recognition Award went to Cath Jones, director of adult social care at Warrington Borough Council. Cath has forged a hugely successful career in Warrington, helping to find solutions to the challenges faced across the health and care system, and supporting pioneering work which has had a real impact on community discharge.
WHH chairman Steve McGuirk told guests that after some of the most challenging years in the NHS’ history it has never been more important to celebrate the work of all staff working across the Trust.
“It is wonderful to finally be able to come back together in person to celebrate the achievements of our remarkable teams; unbelievably, the last time was back in 2019 with virtual awards in between,” he said. “It is a real privilege to be part of such a positive evening of celebration and recognition and my thanks go to our winners, nominees, all of the team at WHH and particularly those who are working in the hospitals tonight.”
Other accolades on the night included the Patients’ Choice Award, which was presented to the Endoscopy Team for their ‘wonderful treatment and professionalism’ despite the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic, and the Leadership Award, given to K25 ward manager David Gallagher for being ‘universally liked, a role model for many and an advocate for patient safety’ who goes over and above to support his patients, his team and Warrington and Halton Hospitals.
David, from Winwick, who has worked at the Trust for the past four years, said: “I’m humbled to have won, it’s very unexpected and quite emotional really.
“It’s a real honour for me to not only collect the award but to work with a wonderful team. “I am quite speechless that I was nominated never mind winning, but it really is amazing.”
The event, made possible thanks to sponsors Kier Construction & Ryder Architecture, Warrington Borough Council, Hill Dickinson, Weightmans, the University of Chester, NHS Professionals, Just R, Patchwork and Good Governance Institute, also featured a three course-meal, DJ and prize draw, with a record total of £2,005 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 excelled in their field or gone above and beyond in their work to support quality patient care.
