Awards honour the work of outstanding NHS staff
Last updated 19:24, Thursday, 20 November 2008
HEALTH workers in Workington were among those honoured at an NHS awards night last week.
page 9 leaduse with 3 pix of Fiona Armstrong handing over awards (one of pix with other people on can crop to a mugshot)
Three staff from the area were rewarded for their dedication and hard work at the Spotlight Awards, at Carlisle Racecourse.
The awards were presented by Border TV’s Fiona Armstrong.
The winners were nominated by colleagues or members of the public. They work in mental health, learning disability, or drug and alcohol services.
Two awards went to staff who work with male dementia patients at the Lakelands Unit, Newlands Park, in Workington.
Kirsty Mitchell, 24, of Westfield, Workington, won the Future Star award in recognition of her significant personal achieve-ment and ability to be a role model in the future.
She said: “It was a real shock and a nice surprise. I didn’t feel worthy of the award because I am just doing my job, but it is nice to be recognised.”
Kirsty started a three-year mental health nursing course at the University of Cumbria in September, but works part-time at the unit where she had worked full-time for the last two years.
Unit manager Maureen Graham, 50, of Carlisle, won the Outstanding Leadership award for her work with the 30 part-time and full-time staff.
She said: “It was a huge compliment to be nominated, because it is the team that supports me every day that put in the nomination.”
Another award winner in the Future Star category was Yvonne Fletcher, 48, of Maryport.
She received a highly commended award for her work as a secretary at the Old School in Distington, where staff provide support for people with learning disabilities.
Yvonne took up her position with the clinic five years ago, having previously worked in education.
She said: “It was such a lovely evening and atmosphere.
“I am proud to work for such a brilliant team of staff, and I felt that the award, although it was for me, was really for everyone.”
Organisers are planning to hold a similar event next year and want staff to start thinking about nominations.
