By Rob Edwards

Dorset County Hospital staff and volunteers were recognised for their hard work and dedication at an awards evening.

The hospital recently celebrated its 2019 GEM and Long Service Awards.

The awards are presented annually to recognise the people who have made an outstanding contribution to the hospital – Going the Extra Mile – and to those who have achieved 25 years of NHS service.

Colleagues, patients and relatives were asked to nominate hospital staff and volunteers for several awards to honour those who have gone over and above what is expected to make a difference to people’s lives.

The evening was held at Kingston Maurward, Dorchester with the winners receiving their awards from Trust Chairman, Mark Addison and Chief Executive, Patricia Miller.

Guests at the event were also treated to a special performance from the DCH Players.

Trust Chairman Mark Addison said: “The awards are the most important event in the hospital’s annual calendar.

“They are an opportunity to thank everybody who is involved in the trust for the huge amount of work they do and the way our staff and volunteers go the extra mile for patients and their families.

“For once we can put aside the enormous unprecedented pressures the hospital has been working under over the last year."

Mr Addison added: "Demand has gone up in ways which nobody could have predicted. But the dedicated and determined hard work of everyone at DCH has seen us through.

“The night is a chance to recognise the brilliant work which goes on day in day out across the hospital, with our staff and volunteers offering outstanding care to people in ways which matter to them. For us, that more than a slogan, it genuinely is a way of life.”

Winners

Chairman’s Award

Winner: Dr David Markham

Leadership Award

Winner: Lynn Paterson, Sister (Moreton Ward)

Patient Safety Award

Winner: Dr Duncan Chambler and Mr Ben Stubbs

Innovation Award

Winner: Eleanor Jeram and Susan Farmer (Information)

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Sue Cordner, Staff Nurse

Student/Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Angie Faulkner, Assistant Audiologist

Volunteer Award

Winner: Patient Research Ambassadors

Team of the Year Award

Winner: Estates

Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award

Winner: DCH Players

Long Service Awards Recipients

Alex Hillcox-Smith

Alison Fuszard

Alison Burge

Amanda Loader

Andrea Churchill

Annette Saunders

Brian Stalker

Carol Gilbert

Dawn Johnston

Emma Howard

Esme Hastie

Fiona Wotherspoon

Fiona Chalk

Georgina Jessop

Gerrard Phillips

Hazel Thomas

Helen White

Helen Dell

Jacqueline Butler

Janice Robbins

Kathryn Stubbs

Lisa Keegan

Lisa Cosh

Mandy Ford

Nicola Perkins

Peter Taylor

Shelly Haydock

Sue Reed

Teresa Penny

Tracy Allen

Tracy Drage

Vanessa Coleberd

Victoria Lock

Victoria Whitehall