Local Rock Choir on song for Pennine Acute Trust Staff Awards

Rock Choir members from Tameside, Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton will perform to Trust staff and guests, conducted by local Rock Choir leader Phil Reynolds

Singing sensation Rock Choir will add its own special sparkle to The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s Annual Staff Awards ceremony on 12 June at Manchester City FC's Etihad Stadium.

Rock Choir members from Tameside, Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton will perform to Trust staff and guests, conducted by local Rock Choir leader Phil Reynolds at the glitzy event.

This annual event acknowledges the achievements of staff working at the Trust's four local hospitals and its community services. The Awards consist of 12 categories which recognise the very best of patient care, skill and innovation.

The awards ceremony this year will be hosted by comedienne and TV personality Ruby Wax.

Phil Reynolds from Rock Choir said: "Rock Choir is the UK's largest amateur contemporary choir and has 16,000 members across the country in 240 towns. There are no auditions and you don't need to read music, yet we make a fantastic sound and get invited to sing at all kinds of exciting events, many of which support charities and local causes.

“We're delighted to be performing at such a prestigious and exciting event for the local hospital Trust. Many of our choir members work or are associated with the Trust. I'm a great believer in the positive health and wellbeing benefits of singing, so it seems appropriate to be singing to an audience of healthcare specialists! We hope they enjoy the show. It will be a great evening.”

It’s only 18 months since Rock Choir opened in the region, but its members have already broken a Guinness World Record, flash mobbed for Sport Relief, sung with comedian Jimmy Cricket in aid Comic Relief, and performed to thousands of people at the prestigious Manchester Theatre Awards. They've also helped raise over £1 million for charity.

"Bringing people together who love to sing, being involved in the local community and helping to raise money and awareness for charity is at the heart of Rock Choir,' explains Phil. "New members are always welcome. We even offer a free taster session so you can see if you like it."

The Trust is inviting the public and patients to nominate a member of staff or team in a special award category called the ‘Pennine Patients’ Choice Award’. The award gives the general public the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and publicly recognise the outstanding care and treatment given to either them or a relative or friend. The public can nominate a staff member, clinical team or hospital ward via the Trust website at www.pat.nhs.uk, by email at ft.membership@pat.nhs.uk or by calling 01706 517302.

All award nominations must be submitted to the Trust by Friday 31 May.

This is the fourth year the Trust has held its annual staff awards which are fully paid for and sponsored by external companies and suppliers.