Caring, committed, dedicated and inspirational – just some of the words used to describe the winners at this year’s NCA Colleague Awards 2023.
The event brought together hundreds of colleagues to recognise and celebrate achievements over the past year.
This is the first time the event has been held face to face since 2019.
At the ceremony, colleagues were told about individuals with unwavering commitment to make every patient feel valued and safe during their hospital stay while others were recognised for always ensuring team members feel involved, respected and appreciated.
NCA chairman Professor Eileen Fairhurst said: “I’m delighted to have been able to celebrate so many great people and the fantastic things that have been achieved. I continue to be so very proud of the work our colleagues across the NCA to every day to provide safe, quality care to the populations we serve. Thank you to you all.”
The 2023 awards winners are:
Customer Experience – HMR Respiratory Team, Rochdale Infirmary
This team consistently puts patients first in every decision they make. Despite the increased needs of their patients, they successfully adapted to new ways of working, resulting in improved patient outcomes. They show passion, innovation, and commitment to going above and beyond for their patients.
Quality and Safety Award – Medical high dependency Unit, Salford Royal
This team continued to provide safe and personalised treatment to each patient admitted under their care. Colleagues praise their persistent can-do attitude and commitment to making every patient feel valued and safe during their hospital stay.
Research and Innovation – Mohammed Tariq, Clinical Coding
Mohammed has taken steps to improve equity of access to research, recognising the importance of relevant research for everybody. He has collaborated with colleagues to engage with South Asian communities, providing them with valuable information on fasting safely during Ramadan, as well as discussing various topics such as renal disease, diabetes, and genomic medicine.
Leadership Award – Hafsa Sattar, Diagnostics and Pharmacy
Hafsa is described as approachable, inspirational and forward-thinking, adapting her leadership style to suit individual team members and always ensures they feel involved, respected and appreciated. As the department's first equality and diversity champion, she empowers all to excel beyond their imaginable capabilities. Hafsa motivates and encourages others and everyone feels heard.
Volunteer Award – Hasina Begum, Royal Oldham
Hasina helped to support a patient who had complex needs whilst receiving care in hospital. She undertook extra shifts to support him and so helped to speed up his recovery journey. As a dining companion Hasina helped him to communicate more easily with staff and this had a massive impact on his recovery.
Team of the Year – Domestic Team at Rochdale Infirmary, Denise Scoular, Hilary Andrews, Karen Terry
This team has shown grit, determination and flexibility over the last few years. Their response to ensuring that their hospital and other sites are immaculate has been recognised by both colleagues and patients, and feedback received from external visitors is superb.
Individual of the year – Michael Hurst, Intensive Care Unit, Salford Royal
Michael is relatively new to his team but one who has made a massive impact already. He always receives compliments from both patients and relatives alike with many specifically asking to be looked after by him. Despite ongoing pressures, he maintains a positive approach and always put patients first.
Social Value –Suzanne Burke, Fiona Hogg and Elaine Singleton from the Fairfield General anaesthesia and surgery PA team
This team has continuously invested in their local community and supported the views of under-represented groups of people. They supported a student on placement from Elms Bank School, who has since gained employment with the NCA. They have provided mentorship, ensured a positive experience in the workplace and promoted positive health and wellbeing.
Educator – Aishah Khatun, Royal Oldham
Aishah always goes above and beyond and is keen to ensure that each student feels welcome. She writes useful packs for each individual student, which have been put forward for rollout in all other wards and areas. What’s more, other Trusts across Greater Manchester are also implementing them as part of their provisions.
Chairman’s Award – Kathryn Bentley, vaccine hub volunteer
Kathryn is extremely well known and very popular with patients and clinical staff alike. She can be called upon to cover shifts at very short notice and can often be found on the front desk providing support for patients and visitors. She has contributed over 2,000 hours to the vaccination hub at Rochdale Infirmary since January 2021.
Chief Executive’s Award – Nessa Benedito, catering department, Salford Royal
Vanessa is very inspirational and goes well beyond any form of minimum requirements in her work. She does this by showing appreciation for every single person that she meets - whether they are colleagues or customers. Every day she treats people as unique and special individuals.
Patient’s Choice Award – Lynette Cook, activities co-ordinator, volunteer services
For this category we ask for nominations from members of the public.
The winner touched the hearts of people who say she made a real difference to the wellbeing of their loved ones while they were in hospital. And who better to tell us a bit more about this special person, than the nominators themselves. Watch the video links from some friendly faces who nominated Lynette. Patient Choice Video 1 and Patient Choice Video 2.
