Hampshire frontline NHS staff at Southern Health recognised for dedication to patients

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has announced the 11 winners of its annual Star Awards which recognises individuals and teams who are passionate about providing the best possible service.

Among the winners was occupational therapist Sandy Millard who received the Life Achievement award after beginning her career 25 years ago at Gosport War Memorial Hospital.

Judges said her ‘experiences have made her an extremely knowledgeable and competent colleague and she is someone who takes an active role in developing other team members’.

More than 500 nominations were received from staff, patients, families and members of the public and 41 members of staff and teams were shortlisted for the categories, which included the Quality Improvement Award, the Innovation and Research Award and the Working in Partnership Award.

Lauren Howlett, a discharge facilitator at Elmleigh in Havant, took home the trophy for the Safe category for her work in assessing and planning care for patients being discharged and managed to reduce the number of ‘out of area’ placements, from 30 to just 2.

The Learner of the Year went Kim Lea, who works in the Heart Failure Team in Havant.

Southern Health’s Chief Executive, Ron Shields, said: ‘Every nomination is a reflection of the compassion, hard work and commitment our staff provide to the people they support every day.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire care home deaths linked to Covid continue to rise

‘I am honoured to lead an organisation with such a passionate workforce that is committed to delivering the best possible care to those who use our services. Of course this year, all our staff have gone above and beyond in their care of our patients and in tackling the threat of coronavirus and I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.’

Each of the 41 people shortlisted received a thank you prize thanks to this year’s awards sponsors; construction firm Kier, office supplies company Clares, NHS Professionals, Trust charity Brighterway and design and print firm called Diguru.

The winners also got a crystal trophy.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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