We were delighted to host our virtual annual Staff Thank you and Recognition (STAR) Awards this week.
“The Trust’s annual awards are normally celebrated at a special evening event, but we took the difficult decision to cancel the event due to COVID infection rates in the area”, Chairman Professor Eileen Fairhurst, said.
“However we still wanted to honour the cohort of nominees from 2019, who have waited a long time for the results, and give them the positive recognition they deserved.”
Two of this year’s winners are Lewis Baker-Vose, Volunteer of the Year and David Anderson, Non-Clinical Worker of the Year.
Lewis Baker-Vose, who volunteers on the reception desk at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, was described in his nomination as someone who “brings a new dimension to the role”, bringing “fun and laughter to the desk”. Despite his disabilities, Lewis’ “lack of mobility does not hinder him in any way.”
His colleague Ann, who nominated Lewis, said “he makes me look at people with disabilities in a different way. We have become a better team and work together when he is behind the desk.”
David Anderson, Hospital Chaplain and Counsellor, was recognised for developing a teaching programme to help staff support patients at risk of suicide, self-harm and other mental health conditions. His work has been shared across other local health providers as an example of best practice and good care for patients with mental and physical health needs.
David’s programme has been influenced by the experiences of people who have mental health needs and his nominator described his work as “placing humanity, respect, communication and individualised care at the centre of his training.”
Winners from all 14 categories were awarded with their trophies and certificates at a special ‘Star Awards Day’ following the virtual ceremony, where Executive Directors from across the Trust met the winners in small groups to congratulate them.
Eileen added: “I want to congratulate David, Lewis and the other winners of this year’s Star Awards – they truly deserve to be recognised for their hard work, commitment and initiative in providing care for our patients, or supporting their colleagues through challenging times.”
“Our winners are fantastic examples of our Trust values and everything we want our ELHT family to stand for. I am so proud to be the Chairman of ELHT knowing that our winners are just a small sample of the incredible colleagues and volunteers we have working to care for our community.”
Pictured: Lewis Baker-Vose, winner of Volunteer of the Year and David Anderson, winner of non-Clinical Worker of the Year