BRIDPORT Hospital was the big winner of the night as hero staff and volunteers were honoured at the healthcare ‘Oscars’.

The hospital scooped a handful of accolades at the Dorset HealthCare Heroes Awards which celebrated the work of teams and individuals around the county who have made a difference in the last year.

Andy Willis, chairman 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.”

Patients, carers and colleagues nominated their ‘heroes’ from a range of physical and mental health services provided by the NHS Trust.

A panel of judges selected winners, which were announced during a ceremony at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Clinical psychologist and broadcaster Professor Tanya Byron who presented the first award said: “I couldn’t do my job without contributions from organisations and staff like yours. You all deserve an award.”

Bridport Community Hospital was the biggest winner of the evening, with three teams taking home coveted awards.

The hospital’s Community Rehab Team Lead, Jon Kimber bagged the ‘Leadership and Management award’ and Judy Munden, Bank Healthcare Assistant, received the award for ‘Bank Work’.

But their biggest win of the night was for ‘Team of the Year’ which was awarded to the hospital’s catering team.

A statement from Dorset Healthcare said: “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.”

Other winners included Weymouth’s ‘Fight Back’ Mental Health Team, who’s trio of mental health support workers set up weekly boxing classes to boost people’s physical and mental health, earning them the award for ‘Improving Lives’.

Weymouth and Portland Community Urgent Care Team took home the award for ‘Working Together for Patients’ for showing commitment and teamwork to ensure a smooth transition from a minor injury unit at Weymouth Hospital to the new Urgent Care Centre.

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.

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 and plans to develop and improve services over the next year.