A SPECIAL ceremony has been held to honour the outstanding work of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust staff.

Friday evening saw more than 300 NHS staff, their family and friends gather at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.

They were joined by Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, the High Sheriff of Merseyside, Peter Woods and Mayor of Wirral Cllr Geoffrey Watt and Mayoress Mrs Anne Watt.

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent was compere for the night.

It was a fitting occasion to celebrate the work that goes on in Wirral Community NHS and also thanking those who achieved long service awards for 25 and 40 years of dedication.

Trust chief executive Karen Howell said she was extremely proud of all the staff: “Friday really was a wonderful evening and a reminder of why all of us who work in the NHS do what we do, and the positive difference we make to people’s lives.

“Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for our coveted ‘People’s Heart’ award and to our members and governors who took part in the judging day.”

The winners were...

EXCEPTIONAL CARE (sponsored by Elerbanks Limited):

Infant Feeding and Paediatric Dietetics. The team developed a weekly clinic providing specialist care to vulnerable breastfed babies and families.

PROMOTING EQUALITY & DIVERSITY:

Judy Fairbairn

Judy has a unique quality for building and maintaining relationships with vulnerable people who can be hard to reach, making sure they’re informed about the sexual health support available to them.

INNOVATION (sponsored by the Innovation Agency):

Joe Clark, Health Safety & Fire Manager

Joe is a man on a mission to make the Trust more environmentally friendly and an example of excellence for sustainability.

EXCELLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP (sponsored by Yellowfin):

Wallasey 0-19

Wallasey 0-19 has established excellent working partnerships with schools, GPs, the Children’s Centre and social care across the area. This has led to easier access to the 0-19 service and allowed it to develop its own services.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT:

Caroline Jones and Linda Taylor, Senior Community Matrons South Wirral and Wallasey Caroline and Linda’s work has been vital in supporting staff to understand the increasing risk of Sepsis among patients.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT (sponsored by SCC):

Mick Blease, Local Security Management Specialist & Health & Safety Advisor. With a trademark positive attitude, Mick stepped up to take on additional duties to support Trust colleagues during an unprecedentedly challenging time for another team.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:

Alan Morris, volunteer, Infrastructure Team

Working one day a week in the Technology department, Alan cycles to St Catherine’s Health Centre – but it’s not just on his bike he goes the extra mile!

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP (sponsored by Hill Dickinson):

Tracy Orr, Divisional Manager, Urgent and Primary Care

Tracy ignites passion and dedication throughout the team.

THE PEOPLE’S HEART AWARD:

West Kirby District Nurses. This award invites nominations from service users, their families and carers for those individuals or teams who they felt had given them outstanding care and a fantastic patient experience that went beyond their expectations.

CHAIR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE AWARD:

The Staff Flu Group and The Business Information Team.

THE SPECIAL AWARD:

Four members of staff were recognised for the vital role they played in saving someone’s life. They gave CPR to a gentleman who had a heart attack in the café at St Catherine’s Health Centre. Thanks to their quick response and intervention, the gentleman survived.

They were Ashley Zepeda, Adele Whitgreave, Karen Clearkin and Mick Blease.