Awards for ‘going the extra mile’
OUTSTANDING members of the NHS workforce were honoured last week at the annual Unison Cymru/Wales NHS Health Awards. Candidates were nominated by their peers for “going the extra mile” in patients’ care, being a positive role model for colleagues and helping to make the NHS a national treasure. Here are the six winners... Above and Beyond Award Winner: Martin Griffiths
Martin has worked as a porter at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, for the past 25 years.
On November 1, 2016, a staff nurse at the hospital was attacked by a patient wielding a large knife and Martin rushed to her aid, sustaining serious injury in the process.
The nurse has said she owes her life to Martin’s quick thinking and intervention and the support of his colleagues, particularly Gary Codd.
Martin’s now back at work and was warmly welcomed by all staff.
He said: “I am very proud to win and it is quite unexpected. I shall treasure my award.” Education Award Winner: Gavin Noon
Gavin is a linen services supervisor at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl.
He wasn’t able to read and struggled with dyslexia.
Wanting to improve his skills and with the support of his union and manager, he enrolled in Unison’s Essential Skills in the Workplace course.
He continued to study literacy and numeracy and volunteered to cover a supervisory role during staff absence, winning praise for his abilities.
He became a staff representative and was mentored by Unison.
Gavin led a staff project group to formulate solutions to weekend working issues and was commended on his role by managers.
Eventually, he applied and obtained a permanent supervisory position.
Gavin’s personal literacy classes boosted his confidence and now he actively encourages others in similar positions to undertake the journey he has.
His perseverance, tenacity and positive attitude have been commended by colleagues.
Gavin said: “I am so chuffed to win this award and am really happy to have had the support of all my work colleagues, friends and Unison.” The David Galligan Award (for outstanding service to the labour movement) Winner: Martin Horton
Martin is Unison’s branch secretary at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
He has worked tirelessly supporting and representing staff since joining the health service 20 years ago.
He has a keen interest in education and training.
In 2005, Martin was struck by a major blow when overnight, through illness, he became paralysed.
He spent 18 months in hospital re-learning skills that had been affected but his passion for assisting other healthcare workers never faltered.
He fought his way back and although now wheelchair-bound and needing help with basic needs, he went back to work.
As branch secretary, he and his team have developed a vibrant branch and broken recruitment records.
His sheer guts in returning to work to stand up for others in the health service deserves recognition. One Team Award Winner: the Medical Team Assistant staffing group, Royal Glamorgan Hospital
Medical team assistants at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant form part of the acute medical model of care established in September 2015 to transform the way patients are cared for.
When patients referred by a GP arrive at the hospital, they are met by the medical team assistants who immediately start investigations with a blood test and ECG.
This work speeds up a doctor’s assessment allowing for quicker diagnosis.
The team covers the whole hospital out-ofhours, taking bloods and putting in IV lines so patients can receive medication in timely manner.
The team comprises Lee Enticott, Carl Billingham, John Guilliam, Vicky Farrell, Gail Richards, Adrienne Hillard, Billie Quarman, Jemma Wilkes, Sean Mahoney Brown and Sallyanne Rasmussen.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Lee Enticott said: “The whole team is very proud of the way we have helped to improve patient care.
“It’s an honour to win and a big shock given we have only been together a short period of time.
“We have a really close working relationship within the team and with our senior nurse Deborah Matthews and we are grateful for her support and guidance.” Organising and Recruitment Award Winner: Julie Coulson
Julie works in pathology at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.
She’s a popular face around the hospital and her dedication and enthusiasm recruiting and representing members of staff is infectious.
Bubbling with ideas and creative approaches, Julie has been a lynchpin of the Unison organising team.
Her dedication and enthusiasm is second to none. Her warm, cheerful attitude, focus and commitment has won praise from her colleagues.
Julie said: “I’m so honoured to receive this award. It’s recognition of everything we’ve done in the branch and the good team we’ve got. I was helped in the hospital by Unison in the past and now I want to help other people like me and promote fairness in the workplace.” Outstanding Person Award Winner: Sharon Haxton
Sharon works for the Cwm Taf University Health Board.
She has worked in the complaints department for 35 years and has developed a team to listen and learn from patient feedback.
She works tirelessly to put patients’ needs first and ensures any concerns raised are listened to and acted upon in a timely manner. She’s always positive and can often be found making her colleagues laugh as she manages a challenging workload. She brings a smile to everyone’s face irrespective of their position within the health board and everyone enjoys working with her.
Sharon said: “I’m proud to have won but I was only doing my job. We spend half our lives at work and have to make the experience positive as well.
“That’s so much easier with a great team behind me and the support of your managers. We try and be as helpful and considerate to patients as possible.”