BOLTON’S health carers were celebrated for their dedication and commitment over the years. Staff from the Royal Bolton Hospital, the town’s health centres and home care teams were crowned with awards for a job well done — HELENA VESTY reports on the unsung heroes of the borough’s NHS.

HARDWORKING doctors, nurses and medical leaders spend long days on the frontlines of Bolton’s health service. Last week, the friendly faces who work both behind the scenes and face-to-face with those in need were crowned for their achievements.

The last year has seen challenges for the borough’s NHS staff, with A&E being overrun with admissions last month. But strides have been made by the Bolton health teams — earlier this year saw the opening of a state of the art breast care centre at The Royal Bolton Hospital.

In a glittering ceremony at The Last Drop Hotel on Friday, the compassionate carers donned their suits, ties and dresses to celebrate their best and brightest after months of tireless work.

NHS staff were joined by Bolton bosses, including the Bolton trust’s chief executive and chair who gave out 14 awards to individuals.

The two leaders praised their 5,500 staff who work to make a ‘better Bolton’, Dr Jackie Bene, Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Each time I present these awards I leave the celebration feeling proud and inspired by the stories of care, compassion, dedication and professional excellence.

“I had the best of nights celebrating our wonderful staff – so proud!”

Professor Donna Hall, Chair of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “I’d like to add a big thank you from the people of Bolton and our Trust Board to Dr Jackie Bene and her truly outstanding team of Executives.”

The award winners are:

The Bolton News:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion - Jane Seddon, Workforce Transformation

Jane has led on the Trust’s inclusion campaign which has included support of Bolton Pride and the Rainbow Badge Campaign. Jane is enthusiastic and passionate about developing an inclusive environment for all.

The Bolton News:

Unsung Hero Award - Karen Hindle, Ward Clerk, Coronary Care Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital

Karen is often the first person people meet when they enter the ward, whether it be patients, relatives or staff, and everyone always comments on how welcome and informed they feel. Karen is excellent, professional and proficient in her role and is always around to assist with any problem no matter how big or small.

The Bolton News:

Team of the Year Award - Integrated Neighbourhood Team

The team assist local people by offering a range of health and care professionals together to better co-ordinate and join up the health and care services offered to the people of Bolton. Having strong links between health and social care has helped to improve patients’ health and overall wellbeing, encouraging them to integrate back into the community and to self-manage their own care.

The Bolton News:

Inspiration Award - Tracy Joynson, Patient Experience

Her mission is to improve the experience of our patients and she demonstrates that caring nature to everyone who crosses her path. The support she gives and the compassion she shows our patients is wonderful, guiding them through the processes, meeting with them and helping the divisions to provide answers which are open, accountable and meet the Trust values.

The Bolton News:

Newcomer of the Year Award - Kieley Lewthwaite, Lead Heart Failure Specialist

Kieley arrived full of ideas to develop the current service and to properly and safely establish Bolton’s first Community Heart Failure Service. She is committed to providing the best service possible and has an infectious enthusiasm. Kieley has created a positive and motivated working environment and is an excellent role model.

The Bolton News:

Safety Champion of the Year - Practice Development Team, Elective Division

The team are committed to providing safe care to patients and enhancing the safety of staff by providing comprehensive training programmes. They regularly demonstrate dedication beyond their normal job requirements by working flexibly to train staff both in and out of hours.

Student of the Year Award - Kerri Talbot, Student Nurse, F3

From meeting Kerry on her first placement as a student nurse on F3 it was clear she was going to be special. She is keen to learn and is kind and caring not only towards patients but her colleagues too. She is definitely an exceptional nurse in the making.

Volunteer of the Year Award - Alan Boardman

Alan is one of the Trust’s valued volunteers in general outpatients, where he greets patients in reception and offers help and support. Alan’s sense of humour and warm personality is a great asset to the department.

Research and Quality Improvement Award - Alexandra Health Visiting Team

The team lead a project exploring the treatment of postnatal low mood in British South Asian women, to improve access to mental health care for our diverse communities. Rates of postnatal depression in this group of women are higher than the general population. Feedback from the mothers who have taken part suggests an increase in confidence, reduction in stress and isolation.

Collaboration Award - Admission Avoidance Team and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)

The Admission Avoidance Team have worked closely with NWAS to develop an alternative to transfer scheme to reduce potential A&E attendances. The team have built good relationships with paramedic crews to develop trust in the pathway by providing timely responses to the patient, advice on alternative options and feedback on outcomes of the patient’s journey. Referrals are now being received from over 120 paramedics which demonstrates the strong relationships that have embedded between the two organisations.

Big Heart Award - Anne Rogers, Churchill Unit

Anne is the beating heart of the Churchill Unit. She has supported countless individuals through their cancer treatment and provided a warm shoulder to cry on in their hour of need. She has the ability to make people laugh when they are feeling scared or anxious about what lies ahead and she facilitates an atmosphere where people enjoy coming for their treatment despite the difficult nature of the chemotherapy that they are enduring.

Employee of the Year Award - Joy Redwood, Enhanced Care Lead, Royal Bolton Hospital

Joy set up the Enhanced Care Team, which attends to patients on wards to provide distraction therapy, a much needed service that did not exist before. Since its introduction falls have reduced and violence towards staff from patients has plummeted.

Joy is tactful, professional and is happiest when she is surrounded by a team of people she can nurture and develop to be the best version of themselves.

Innovation Award - 0 – 19 Tender Group

The team came together from a number of areas of the Trust to win back the service for children and young people in Bolton. As a result of their forward thinking and leadership, the Trust were awarded the contract to provide seamless care from pre-birth to 19 years old, and improve this provision for families across Bolton.

Leadership Award - Rachel Hemingway, Adult Speech and Language Therapy and Assistant Director of Allied Health Professionals

Rachel not only leads the adult speech and language therapy service but drives the role of allied health professionals within the organisation, helping them to realise their potential and providing a positive and supportive environment. Rachel provides her team consistent and reliable stability, going above and beyond at all times.

Chief Executive and Chair’s Award – Andrea McCann, Nurse Manager, Breast Services

Andrea is a compassionate and passionate manager, leading her team within breast services, getting to know every member of her team personally to ensure that they all feel comfortable, secure and happy within the workplace.

Andrea joined the Trust as a healthcare assistant in 2000, going on to qualify as a nurse, and has since worked her way up to become nurse manager. She was also instrumental in helping the unit raise £10,000 for an additional breast unit, the Evergreen Suite, with a fantastic charity night attended by both staff and patients.