Excellence recognised at NHS awards

Heart of Local Health Award (left to right) Sonya O’Brian, Chair John Pierce, Dr Jennifer Ransome

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NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale presented a host of awards at its Annual General Meeting last week.

Presented by NHS HMR Chairman John Pierce, the first award was ‘The Heart of Local Health’ Award which is nominated by the public. Dr Jennifer Ransome from Stonefield Street Surgery, Milnrow, won the award for the outstanding support and care she provided to a patient.

Sonya O’Brien, from Milnrow, nominated Dr Ransome for the intervention she provided to her father, Vincent O’Brien, which ultimately saved his life.

Ms O’Brien was told that her father only had days to live after a serious fall left him paralysed, devastating the family. As their GP, the family contacted Dr Ransome to get a second opinion. After assessing Ms O’Brien’s father, Dr Ransome supported the family to challenge the diagnosis and she instead referred Vincent for rehabilitation, personally searching for an available bed. Dr Ransome regularly visited Vincent, often in her own time and eventually managed to persuade Sheffield Spinal Injuries Unit to admit him. After ten long months, Vincent is now home and progressing well, thanks to the intervention, clinical expertise and determination of Dr Ransome.

On winning the award Dr Ransome said: “It’s nice to be appreciated and I was thrilled to win this award.”

Ms O’Brien added: “I am delighted Dr Ransome’s tenacious spirit and dedication to her work has been marked by this award.”

The next award was the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award. Rob Wilson, from Middleton, won the award for the valuable support he provides to the Health Trainer Service.

Mr Wilson has tirelessly given up his own time to help the Health Trainer Service and even as a full time carer himself, has never turned down an opportunity to volunteer. He has even exceeded what is expected of his role by completing additional training in key areas of health, as well as a City and Guilds. Mr Wilson is well known in the community and lends his support no matter what.


Mr Wilson was delighted to win the award, he said: “I am really proud to win the award. I live by the motto ‘service before self’ and hopefully this shows through my volunteer work. I love volunteering and helping people and can honestly say that if I became a millionaire, I’d still want to do it!”

The final awards on the evening were to recognise the valuable contribution made by staff who have worked for the NHS for 20, 25 and 30 years. This year’s long service individuals amount to 1350 years working in the NHS, showing real dedication and commitment.

John Pierce, Chairman, added: “It was a real pleasure to reward the fantastic work of our winners who were all extremely worthy. They are credit to the health service and the Rochdale borough.”