​Inspirational patient care is showcased at local health awards

Outstanding staff and volunteers who go the extra mile to help patients have been honoured at a local healthcare ‘Oscars’ event.

The Dorset HealthCare 2017 Heroes Awards celebrated the work of teams and individuals around the county who have made a real difference over the past 12 months.

Patients, carers and fellow staff nominated people across the whole range of physical and mental health services provided in community or inpatient settings by the NHS Trust. A panel of judges then selected the winners, which were announced during a ceremony at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Nationally renowned clinical psychologist and broadcaster Prof. Tanya Byron gave a keynote speech and presented the first award. She said: “I couldn’t do my job without contributions from organisations and staff like yours. You all deserve an award.”

The 2017 award winners were:

• Improving Lives – the ‘Fight Back’ Mental Health Team, based in Weymouth. Working with Weymouth Boxing Club, a trio of mental health support workers set up a weekly boxing class which boosts people’s physical health and fosters hope, patience and respect.
• Respect and Dignity – Xena Dion, Health Visitor, based in Poole. Xena has worked tirelessly to build good relationships with the Traveller community – supporting families, encouraging them to take responsibility for their health, and ensuring they receive the care they need without prejudice.
• Compassion and Kindness – Yasmin Kehru, Healthcare Support Worker at Guernsey Ward, Alderney Hospital in Poole. Caring Yasmin always notices how patients look and makes sure their hair, make-up and clothes are how they would want to be. Nothing is ever too much bother.
• Leadership and Management – Jon Kimber, Community Rehab Team Lead, Bridport Hospital. Jon leads by example and is an inspiration to his team. He ensures they are able to take on complex and challenging cases, and always do the right thing for their patients.
• Everyone Counts ­­– Stuart Bareham, Practice Educator, based in Poole. Stuart seeks views from experts to inform training sessions for staff and students, to help ensure quality care for patients. In particular, his mental health awareness training provides a better understanding of patients’ needs.
• Working Together for Patients – Weymouth and Portland Community Urgent Care Team. They showed huge commitment and teamwork to ensure a smooth transition from a minor injury unit at Weymouth Hospital to the new Urgent Care Centre, embracing change to deliver a service to be proud of.
• Commitment to Quality of Care – Anne-Marie Seraphin, Senior Sister at Alderney Hospital, Poole. Before her retirement, Anne-Marie went to great lengths to support the development of her staff, making sure they had not only the clinical skills but also the right values to deliver excellent care.
• Bank Work – Judy Munden, Bank Healthcare Assistant, based at Bridport Hospital. Judy is always available at crucial times, often at short notice. She ensures patients understand information and have food and drink if attending all-day appointments, and often helps look after challenging patients with dementia.
• Volunteering – Pain Service Peer Advisors John Hurley, Mike Forte, Barbie Hooper, Carol Calf and Lynda Lane, based in Poole. Despite their own health problems, they give up their own time to help others learn how to manage their pain. They provide invaluable support and make a real difference to people’s lives.
• Team of the Year – Catering Team, Bridport Hospital. As well as continuing to deliver high quality food for patients and visitors, the team have shown a real willingness to improve, developing their skills and researching new recipes.
• Outstanding Contribution – Nicki Jenks, Exercise Instructor, Alumhurst Road, Bournemouth. Nicki runs a weekly physical health clinic for people using mental health services, and provides a varied physical activity programme which has boosted patients’ fitness and wellbeing.
• Public and Patient Engagement – Pebble Lodge Team, Bournemouth. Pebble Lodge provides inpatient care for young people with mental health issues. The team have worked hard to make sure the views of patients, and their families, play a key role in how services are delivered.
• Being a Learning Organisation – the Management Accounts Assistants Team, based in Poole. They have embraced new software, taken on extra responsibilities and are studying in their own time to learn new skills and develop their expertise.
• Better Every Day Award – Greg Coomer, Head Chef at Pebble Lodge, Bournemouth. Greg runs popular weekly cooking sessions for young patients during school holidays, inspiring an interest in healthy eating and equipping them with skills which will last their whole lives.

Andy Willis, Chair of Dorset HealthCare, said: “I was humbled and inspired by these stories, which illustrate how far our staff will go to help and support the people of Dorset.

“The people who work for Dorset HealthCare are without doubt our greatest asset, and we are delighted to be able to recognise some truly outstanding work.”

The awards followed Dorset HealthCare’s Annual Members’ Meeting, where Trust governors, members, staff and other guests gathered to hear about the Trust’s work during 201/17, and plans to develop and improve services over the next 12 months.

The day also featured a special ‘thank-you’ lunch for some of the many carers and volunteers around Dorset who provide tireless support for the Trust. And there was a ‘Dragons’ Den’ event, where staff pitched ideas to help enhance services for patients.

Two pitches were successful. An award of £3,500 will help fund therapeutic dance classes to help improve patients’ mobility, balance and confidence. And the panel of ‘dragons' also pledged £3,460 to support a regular music classes to support the recovery of young people with mental health issues at Pebble Lodge in Bournemouth.