Health bosses honour their STAR workers
HEALTH workers were honoured for going the extra mile for the borough’s patients.
NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS CCG), which is responsible for local health services, held its annual Special Thanks and Recognition (STAR) awards in celebration of care.
This year - the third in the event’s history – saw six awards presented at Rochdale Masonic Hall.
The People’s STAR, given in memory of patient Nancy Fallon, is voted for by members of the public across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.
This year, the winner was Dr Imran Ghafoor, of Peterloo Medical Centre, based in Middleton who was rewarded for his care and commitment.
The STAR team award went to Dr Stockton and Thompson, based in Boarshaw, Middleton, who were said to have gone ‘above and beyond’ to look after patients after a fire at the site.
Jim McHale was named Shining STAR in recognition of his work to improve systems in GP surgeries around the borough.
Rising STAR was given to acting administration officer Sally Fisher.
A spokesperson said she is ‘always on hand to listen to people and offer help and support’ and ‘has a strong sense of value.’
And Jeanette Leach was named Innovation STAR as a result of her ‘tireless work to improve patient care, commitment and enthusiasm.’
The Silent STAR was this year given to Helen Chapman, HMR CCG administration manager, who was described as ‘professional, committed and always there to support col- leagues.’
That accolade was renamed the Kalsum Ahmed memorial award this year, in memory of Kalsum Ahmed who was the practice manager at Inspire Medical Centre on Belfield Road. Kalsum sadly passed away and her son Ali Ahmed, who also works at Inspire Medical practice, attended the ceremony to present it to Helen.
CCG chairman Chris Duffy said: “The awards are an annual event and an opportunity to thank all staff within the CCG and at GP practices for their hard work and commitment over the last 12 months. I’d like to congratulate all winners and highly commended nominees and say a thank you and well done to all staff, I have been very impressed again this year and the standard of nominations is extremely high.”