NHS staff rewarded as Spotlight Awards winners announced

Inspirational and caring health workers were recognised on Friday as the winners of the fourth annual Spotlight Awards, of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust were announced.

At a ceremony held at Rheged, near Penrith guest presenter Andy Crane announced the winners from over 180 nominations received from colleagues and patients who they believe have made an outstanding contribution.

A moving film showed patients describing why they had nominated their health care workers in their own words was shown on the night (link to film).  Staff in this ‘Here for You’ award category is for members - allowing patients, carers and the public to nominate staff that have made a big difference to their lives.

The winner of the ‘Here for You’ Award was Sylvia Walton, ‘Say It' Coordinator, Carlisle/Eden.  Her nomination reads, "I had a stroke, was in a wheelchair and not speaking. Everything was bleak. When Sylvia came to our house she gave hope and laughter. She was very encouraging and patient. Always cheerful, helpful and always, always laughter.  Laughter was the main thing.  Life saver really."

Unsung heros from each of the six areas of Cumbria (Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland, Eden, Furness & South Lakes) were announced along with unsung hero’s for children’s and support services.  Clinical and support teams were also announced along with a leadership award.

The Chairman’s award went to Leanne Hunter, a domestic on the Oakwood Unit in Carlisle.  Mike Taylor, presenting his first award as Chair of the Trust said, “Leanne stood out to me when I read all the nominations.  She was described as having a sunny disposition, making the unit she works on a happier and safer place.  It’s the small acts of kindness that make a huge difference to patients.”

Also receiving a special award were the students from Eden Mencap who work in partnership with the Trust providing an excellent service to staff and their visitors at Voreda, in Penrith.   The students have been working at Voreda since it opened in November 2010 and have touched staff with their inspiration and hard work.

The winners and highly commended awards for each category are:

Unsung Hero – Allerdale
Vicky Nixon - Assistant Practitioner

Unsung Hero – Carlisle
Mary Scott - Community Psychiatric Nurse

Unsung Hero - Children's Services
Elaine Lawson - Specialist Children's Community Nurse

Unsung Hero – Copeland
Rowena Fox - Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Unsung Hero – Eden
Heidi Manion - Team Leader

Unsung Hero – Furness
Joanne Jefferson - Team Secretary

Unsung Hero - South Lakes
Janet Gallacher - Community Psychiatric Nurse

Unsung Hero - Support Services
Emily Williams - Communications Officer

Clinical Team of the Year
Highly Commended:  Unscheduled Community Care Team, Carlisle
Winners:  Carlisle Community Mental Health Team: Older Adults

Support Team of the Year
Winners:  Facilities - Domestic Services Department

Leadership Award
Highly Commended:  Helen Boit - Acting Clinical Nurse Manager
Winner:  Julie Graham - Team Leader, Learning Disabilities Community Nursing

Stephen Dalton, Chief Executive of the Trust, said, “We value all our staff and appreciate the commitment that everyone makes to provide the best possible care to the people of Cumbria. These awards give those who use our services, staff, and managers the chance to tell us who they feel makes an outstanding contribution and deserves that extra recognition.”

Picture shows Mike Taylor, Chair presenting Leanne Hunter with the Chairman's Award.