Pembrokeshire healthcare workers who have helped to improve patient care and services have been named in a special award ceremony this week. Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust hosted the 'Best of Health' Award scheme to reward staff who have made real improvements to patient care or service delivery. More than 40 nominations were received in nine different categories, highlighting the abundance of best practice and quality initiatives within our local health service. The awards were presented by Trust chairman, Mrs. Lynette George. Said acting chief executive Caroline Oakley: "These awards recognise the very many examples of innovation and good practice across the Trust and reward members of staff and teams who have made a real difference to healthcare for our patients! We are very proud of our staff and congratulate all of the award winners on their success." The winners and highly commended award winners are: • The Chief Executive's Award for Outstanding Service Innovation or Excellence in Improving Patient Care or Experience: winners - Sandra Wilson (general manager) and Mr. Ken Harris (consultant surgeon); highly commended - Kay Davies and Emma Clinker, occupational therapy, Bryn Gofal Ward, Shan Bartlett, specialist podiatrist, Haverfordwest Health Centre. • Healthcare Worker of Year: winner - Buddug Roberts, waiting list co-ordinator, Withybush Hospital; highly commended - Michael Phillips, adult mental health support worker, St. Brynach's Day Hospital. • Clinical Leader/Mentor of the Year: joint winners - Mr. A. S. Withanage, consultant surgeon, and Vivienne Thirkhill, senior sister, Pre-Assessment Services, Withybush Hospital; highly commended - Sherilea Curzon, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment team leader, Bro Cerwyn. • Manager of the Year: winner - Margaret Evans, neurophysiology department manager; highly commended - Guto Davies, St. Nons Ward manager, and Claire Sims, head cccupational therapist, Withybush Hospital. • Learner of the Year: winner - Tyrone Brown, support worker, South Teifi Valley Children's Mental Health Team; highly commended - Lynne Joseph, Welsh learner, Medical Records, and Christine Grills, Welsh learner, Maternity Department. • Unsung Hero (Non-Clinical): winner - Joel Solway and Chris Baker, Finance Department; highly commended - Nicola Gillies, PA to chief executive, chairman and director of Human Resources. • Team of the Year Award: winner - Cwm Seren Ward, Hafan Derwen; highly commended - Clinical Governance Support Unit and Acute Care At Home, Withybush Hospital. • Excellence in Partnership-Working: Winner - Pembrokeshire Crisis Resolution Team, Bro Cerwyn; highly commended - Aveline Woolf, paediatric occupational therapist, Withybush Hospital, and Bleddyn Lewis, improvement and development manager, Hafan Derwen. • Public or Staff Engagement and Involvement: winner - The Breakfast Group, Occupational Therapy Service, South Pembrokeshire Hospital Health and Social Care Resource Centre; highly commended - Amanda Aldridge and Sarah Burgess, Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
