PICTURES: Hospital stars shine at awards

Colleagues, patients and their families at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust have recognised staff and their efforts at an awards ceremony last week with more than 500 nominations being sent in.

Among those awarded was Gemma Rowland, who works at Hurstwood Park Intensive Care in Haywards Heath. She was awarded Runner Up Nurse of the Year.

The person who nominated Gemma said: “When my wife was admitted after a traumatic accident my whole world was shattered. I received the worst news ever that my wife’s future was very bleak and most of her admission to the ICU is a big blur but the one thing I do remember is the compassion shown by our guardian angel which will remain a happy memory to the worst time of my life.

“I wish I could do more than nominate her for this award as she deserves the world in my opinion.”

Also recognised was Debra Stokeley who is part of the maternity team at PRH, Tamsin Clake, musculoskeletal physiotherapist and Tony King, who works in security.

Matthew Kershaw, chief executive of the trust said: “It is so important that we make the time to recognise what a positive difference our staff make and this event is a real celebration of everything that is good about our hospitals and the people who work in them.

“The fact that 550 of our staff, patients and their relatives took the time to submit a nomination in itself demonstrates how much of what we do matters to people and hearing just a selection of what was said about our winners and runners-up is genuinely uplifting and humbling.”

Cathy Chilman won Volunteer of the Year for her work at the day centre.

She was nominated by a staff member, who said: ““She is considered by staff in the Day Hospital to be a full member of the team and I don’t know how we would manage without her.

“This lady is a model volunteer, she treats all patients and staff with kindness and understanding, she is reliable, never lets us down and undertakes all the tasks required in a quiet and confident manner.”

The Team of the Year prize was awarded to the Chemotherapy Unit and Hazel Dives, who was described as a ‘fountain of knowledge’ was runner up for her work as Pyecombe Ward Administrator at PRH.

Matthew Kershaw awarded the Chief Executive’s Special Award to Imre Szabo, a critical care support assistant.

Mr Kersham said: “He is consistently professional in his behaviour, he demonstrates a pride and commitment to his job.”