Care champions honoured

The Mayor and Mayoress with winners, from left to right – Ann Hope, Barry Windle, Dr Robert Namushi, Zoe Nichol, Norma Taylor.

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Champions of ‘Dignity in Care’ have been honoured at a special celebration evening at Rochdale Town Hall, hosted by Age UK Metro Rochdale.

The award’s evening, now in its third year, saw those from hospital staff to next door neighbours that go the extra mile recognised for showing dignity in care to older people across the borough.

Guests were treated to a performance by ‘Voice,’ a community vocal group based in Heywood and guest of honour, Roy Lilley, shared his experiences of Dignity in Care.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Alan Godson.

There four categories were: 

• Residential Homes and Sheltered Accommodation
• Hospitals
• Care at Home
• Mental Health 

Norma Taylor from Ashcroft Sheltered Housing in Hurstead was the winner for the Residential Homes and Sheltered Accommodation category, having received a number of commendations from residents, colleagues and relatives.

The winner for the Hospitals category was Dr Robert Namushi, Consultant Stroke Physician at Rochdale Infirmary, his colleague who nominated him, ‘he is one of the kindest men anyone could wish to meet and this comes across in all his dealings with patients and their families.’

The award for Dignity in Care at Home went to Macmillan Nurse Zoe Nichol, who is based in Middleton. She was nominated for the invaluable support she offers patients and families always demonstrating compassion and understanding.

The Award for the final category, Mental Health, was given to Barry Windle, recently retired Senior Mental Health Commissioner. Tricia Hornby of Mind who nominated Barry said, ‘he’s made such a difference to the mental health sector in Rochdale over the last 18 years, Rochdale is a better place thanks to Barry’.

In addition to the winners of the four categories, the Vera Hirst Dignity Champion Award was given to Ann Hope in recognition of her years of voluntary work and in particular her contributions to the Rochdale Bereavement Group.

All those who were shortlisted received a certificate from Mayor Godson.

Paul Gala, Chief Officer of Age Concern Metro Rochdale, said: “The quality and amount of nominations we received was once again overwhelming and demonstrates the high level of dignity in care across the Borough, it is really important that we continue to acknowledge and celebrate this.

“It was wonderful to welcome Roy Lilley as our guest of honour, and the vocal group added something special to the night.”