17 July 2009
The biggest ever awards ceremony for staff at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier hospitals took place recently to celebrate their continuing hard work and dedication.
The Trust Annual Awards, which were held at Epsom Racecourse, were split into eight categories, including awards for going above and beyond the call of duty, improving patient care and working to reduce the risk of healthcare acquired infections.
Nominations for the awards flooded in, with 270 members of staff nominating a colleague or team. Each nomination was then considered by an awards panel, which included patient representatives.
Interim Chief Executive, Peter Coles said: "The annual awards are incredibly important, as they recognise the hard work and innovation that makes our hospitals what they are. Quite simply, without our dedicated staff, we would not be able to provide the high quality of care that we give to our patients.
"We know that our staff are our most valuable asset, and events such as these are the perfect way to say thank you for all of their hard work, commitment and dedication."
Winners included the clinical assessment units (CAUs) at both Epsom and St Helier hospitals, who walked away with the Chairman’s Cup for improving patient care. Amanda Elgar, Senior Sister at Epsom’s clinical assessment unit, said: "It was a really nice surprise to win the Chairman’s Cup. We didn’t even realise we had been nominated for the award until we got a letter saying that we were through to the final!
"Everyone here is really pleased about winning. It’s great news and we’re all very proud of the achievement. Each member of staff treats their patients as they would like to be treated, and I think that shows."
The winners in full are:
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Behind the scenes: Caroline Jones, Ward clerk, planned surgery care, Epsom Hospital
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Front of house: Mark Sheriff, Receptionist, Sutton Hospital
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Infection control: Charles Mantillas and Anne Marie Pearce, Cleaning managers
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Positive attitude: Julie Lackey, Administration co-ordinator, Environmental Support Services, Sutton Hospital
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Clinical: Susie Mallinder and the peritoneal dialysis team, Renal department, St Helier Hospital
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Leadership: Amanda Elgar, Ward manager, clinical assessment unit (CAU), Epsom Hospital
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The Chairman's Cup: Clinical assessment units (CAU) at both St Helier and Epsom Hospital
The evening also celebrated the long service achievements of 211 staff, including 47 people who have worked at the Trust for 15 years; 160 people who have 25 years NHS service and four people that have 40 years NHS service. Between them, those recognised at the awards have a combined service of 4,865 years.
Michael Burden, Director of Human Resources said: "It’s a great privilege to present so many people with long service awards. Their long-term commitment to the hospitals and to their role is greatly appreciated, and we feel proud that so many people have enjoyed working with us for such a long time."
