Healthcare support workers recognised nationally for the contribution they make to the NHS.
Five healthcare support workers from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) have been awarded the prestigious Chief Nursing Officer award.
The award recognises staff who consistently demonstrate NHS values in their everyday roles.
Kendall Robinson, Oluwanisola (Shola) Daniel, Simon Connon, Alison Clarke and Gemma Hepple all received an award.
The awards were presented at a ceremony at St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth by Gill Hunt, Director of Nursing – Professional and System Development at NHS England, North East and Yorkshire.
Kendall, who works in CNTW’s secure care services, was recognised in the working together for patients category. She has been praised for her positive and compassionate approach. Colleagues say she has grown a sense of community on the ward and supports patients to be heard.
Kendall said: “I’m so proud to get this recognition. I’m only good because of the team around me. At work, I think of my relatives and how I’d want them to be looked after. I always strive to give the best care that I can.”
Shola works in the Trust’s children and young people’s service. She was awarded in the compassion category, which recognises those who provide consistently outstanding care to both patients and colleagues.
Shola approaches each day with calm determination, empathy and commitment to doing what’s right for the young people in her care. Described as a role model for best practice, Shola has been praised for her ability to build trust with some of the most vulnerable children. She listens without judgement, responds with kindness and tailors her approach to each individual.
On being recognised, Shola said: “I feel so honoured. This award means a lot to me. I wasn’t expecting it. Thank you to all the management team, my line manager and colleagues for trusting in me and supporting me. I look forward to supporting the team and providing quality care for the patients.”
Gemma Hepple works in CNTW’s children and young people’s services. She said: “I’m overwhelmed. I didn’t know anything about it so it’s a nice surprise.”
It’s Gemma’s positive, can-do attitude that makes her stand out. She’s known for her ability to think on her feet and stays calm under pressure. She shows initiative in looking for ways to improve patient experience and has led on a culture of care programme on the ward. Colleagues say she represents the best of healthcare support workers.
Simon has been awarded for championing equality, diversity and inclusion in both clinical practice and with colleagues.
Simon plays a crucial role in supporting and developing new staff. As a natural mentor, he offers guidance, reassurance and knowledge in a way that empowers others. New team members frequently credit Simon with making them feel welcomed, supported and equipped to succeed in their roles.
Alison has worked for the Trust for 36 years and was recognised in the commitment to quality care category. This goes to people who have contributed to the development of services for patients resulting in improvement of service provision.
Alison is proactive in developing new ideas to engage patients in meaningful activities. She has taken on the role of completing ‘Your Voice’ questionnaires, encouraging patients to have a say in their own care.
After the awards were given, CNTW Chief Executive James Duncan said to the winners: “Healthcare support workers don’t always get the recognition they should. They’re the people who spend the most time with the people we serve. You are all setting the way and shining a light for what healthcare support workers can be. You’re an inspiration to us.”
Sarah Glacken, Executive Director of Nursing and Therapies at CNTW, said: “I was delighted to be part of the award ceremony to celebrate five amazing members of staff at CNTW. The healthcare support worker award from the Chief Nursing Officer for England is a highly prestigious and rare award that recognises their demonstration of the NHS values.
“The staff and those who work with them should be rightly very proud of their achievements. We are so lucky to have these highly skilled, kind and compassionate staff working in our organisation and I feel very privileged to have been able to celebrate with them.”