Staff at the county's community healthcare trust were celebrated for their achievements at a glittering ceremony hosted by a radio star.
Norfolk Community Healthy and Care NHS Trust (NCHC)'s annual Reach awards recognised exceptional teams and individuals who went the extra mile.
Hosted by Radio X Breakfast Show's Dominic Byrne, the evening began with a medley of song from the NCHC choir, who recently sang with Lulu on tour, before the awards began.
The finalists were chosen from a record number of nominations from staff and patients. The winners were:
• Apprentice of the Year - Aimee Harrison, HR apprentice.
• Emerging Talent - Georgia Rickman, talent for care co-ordinator.
• Excellence Award, non-clinical - Lorraine Clements, ward administrator. Colleagues said: 'Nothing is too much trouble for Lorraine. She has a positive attitude and goes out of her way to offer support and advice.'
• Excellence Award, clinical - Mark Adeney, ward manager.
• Healthcare Assistant of the Year - Linda Jones, healthcare assistant, learning disabilities. Linda's nomination said her 'quality of care is outstanding; she provides the care of the highest quality to each and every respite inpatient'.
• Innovation Award, clinical (sponsored by DLA Piper) - Helen Nku, clinical lead occupational therapist. Of Helen, it was said she demonstrates great compassion and uses her skill and knowledge to maximise patients' potential.
• Innovation Award, non-clinical (sponsored by DLA Piper) - The community waste team.
• Inspirational Leader, clinical
Sandra Hamblin - palliative care co-ordinator.
Colleagues said: 'Sandra is one of the most motivating and supporting managers – she has been an inspirational leader who has quietly taken palliative care services forward.'
• Inspirational Leader, non-clinical - Neil Bloomfield, head of procurement. Neil was said to inspire both his own procurement team to new levels of performance as well as others across the trust, putting patients at the very centre of his decision making.
• Lifetime Achievement - Christine Hawkins, matron for palliative care.
• Mentor of the Year - Amanda Cox, staff nurse, Alder Ward. Colleagues said: 'Amanda is supportive, encouraging and nurturing, developing the best in each person.'
• Partnership Working, clinical - City 3 community nursing team. The team helped ensure a more seamless transition of care while they have been working collaboratively with primary care, social services and Norse to support residents at the new purpose-built Bowthorpe Care Village.
• Partnership Working, non-clinical - Integrated care team (admin). They ensure there is an open dialogue and transparency where joint working is essential.
• Patient Choice Award - Annette Powell, coastal community matron.
• Team of the Year, clinical - Starfish learning disability service, children and adolescent mental health services. Colleagues said: 'They all have unique skills that complement each other when working.'
• Team of the Year, non-clinical - Information, management and technology team. Colleagues said: 'This team is ahead of the curve, their response to the WannaCry cyberattack was exemplary and highly praised – good judgement and hard work ensured that the trust was well prepared and protected.'
• Unsung Hero - Jayne Rose, change programme manager.
• Volunteer of the Year - Janet Pedley.
Dominic Byrne said: 'It's been fantastic to be part of such an affirming and powerful event – I've heard so many stories tonight of compassionate care and innovative service – as a Norwich man I'm proud and pleased that NCHC staff are working in and for my community – it's been an absolute pleasure and I'd like to congratulate everyone involved.'
Roisin Fallon- Williams, NCHC chief executive, said: 'Our staff play such an important part in so many people's lives, and provide health and care to those people from their first few years, right through to their final days.
'These awards are our way of saying how proud we are of the great staff we have and the work they do, an opportunity to say 'well done' on behalf of our trust to all staff, and 'thank you' on behalf of patients and colleagues.'
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