NHS staff prove their weight in gold

Winners Expert Patient Volunteers

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Local NHS staff where recognised for their hard work and dedication at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale’s annual Going for Gold Awards ceremony on Wednesday (30 September).

Held at Rochdale Town Hall, the awards recognise staff who have provided an outstanding service to their patients, as well as long service employees who have worked for the NHS for 20, 25 and 30 years.

The outstanding achievement awards are split into two categories, Commissioning and Provider Services.

The Sexual Health Improvement Service took home the provider services award for their Chlamydia screening programme and the Kirkholt Health Visitors came runners up for their targeted work on the Kirkholt estate.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Amy Gibbons won the commissioning award for establishing the NHS HMR’s volunteer programme this year. There were two runners up for this category; the Corporate Governance Team for the service they provide to protect the organisation, and also the Efficiency and Effectiveness Team for a project which reviewed contracts and improved performance.

Public Awards

The public-nominated ‘Heart of Local Health’ award was given to Trinity Medical Centre in Littleborough. Patient Cecilia Bruce nominated the whole practice after the personal and expert care she received from Dr Brazier and his team following life saving surgery.

“On one occasion I called to make an appointment and the receptionist arranged for me to be seen immediately,” said Mrs Bruce. “This culminated in life-saving surgery within four weeks. On the day I arrived home I received a visit from Doctor Brazier. The whole team is polite and friendly and doctors are very accessible. I am very grateful to be treated by such an excellent practice.”

On receiving the award, Dr Braxier said: “It’s a fantastic honour to receive this award and I am extremely grateful to Mrs Bruce for putting us forward.”

This year a runner-up prize was also awarded to Dr Simon Rhodes from Edenfield Surgery. Patient Philip Allen nominated Dr Rhodes for his kindness and care following a heart operation. Mr Allen said: “I trust Dr Rhodes so much that if he told me ‘black was white’ I would believe him.”

Volunteer of the Year

New this year, Going for Gold also paid tribute to the number of volunteers who help health services in the borough. The Expert Patient Volunteers were awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for the dedication and care they give to help people manage their long-term conditions. This unique group of people suffer from a long-term condition themselves but have gone through a rigorous training and assessment schedule over 12 months to become an Expert Patient Tutor. Without their support and commitment the Expert Patient Programme simply would not exist.

John Pierce, Chairman at NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, said: “Our workforce is our largest asset and without the considerable contribution and effort from every single person the delivery of effective healthcare services would not be possible.”

As well as recognising outstanding achievers, the evening paid tribute to the PCT’s loyal and long serving staff members.

John added: “Incredibly, our long service employees total around 580 years working for the NHS. Their breadth and depth of expertise is extremely valuable and it is a massive achievement for each individual.”