Volunteers’ champion recognised at Pennine staff awards

Chris Hammer from Vinci UK Construction Ltd with Mary Sunderland and Sally Lindsay

The Pennine Acute Trust’s volunteer coordinator has been awarded the Professional or Technical worker of the year award at The Trust’s first ever staff awards.

The Pennine Staff Awards 2010 consist of 12 categories which recognise the very best of patient care, dedication and innovation across the Trust’s five hospitals and its 10,000 staff, which includes the Rochdale Infirmary.

At a special final awards ceremony at Manchester City Stadium recently, former Coronation Street actress, Sally Lindsay, announced that Mary Sunderland had won the award for her commitment to recruiting and supporting the Trust’s 890 volunteers.

Displaying enthusiasm and commitment, Ms Sunderland picked up the award for championing an increased sense of pride in the work of the volunteers throughout the Trust.

Ms Sunderland has instigated new and innovative roles for volunteers such as infection control volunteers and hand massage volunteers.

Commenting on her award, Ms Sunderland said: “I’m pleased to receive the award not just for myself but as recognition for the hundreds of volunteers working across the Trust. They provide the extras that are important to patients and their goodwill and dedication complements the service provided by hospital staff, making them an essential part of the team.”

Presenting the awards Sally Lindsay said: “The people who received an award are those whose innovation and inspiration has worked to improve the quality and safety of patient care. These are people who truly deserve awards!”

From hospital radio, to staffing receptions, running shops and cafes, helping on wards, to offering spiritual support, around 890 local volunteers provide the Trust with over 125,000 hours of support each year.

In addition to individual volunteers, many volunteers come through organisations such as the WRVS, church groups, League of Friends, schools and colleges. The Trust’s multi-faith chaplaincy team also enlist the support of over 100 volunteers who meet the spiritual needs of patients, relatives and staff.

The event was supported by a number of sponsors including, Pulse, Key Care and Support, NG Bailey, Mace & Jones, and Vinci Construction UK Ltd.

The Professional or Technical worker of the year award was sponsored by Vinci Construction UK Ltd.