SALISBURY District Hospital staff have been rewarded for their professionalism, commitment and the way in which they have improved services for patients as part of the hospital’s Striving for Excellence Awards.

There were 10 categories and nominations were made by patients, staff and volunteers, with members of the public voting for the winners in the Service Improvement categories.

Winners and the highly commended were presented with certificates and flowers by chief executive Peter Hill and chairman Luke March at a ceremony held last week.

“I’ve seen first-hand the professionalism and commitment of our staff in providing the very best care for our patients and I’m proud to be able to give our staff the recognition they deserve through our Striving for Excellence Awards,” said Mr Hill.

“At a time where we have seen several high profile examples of poor care in other parts of the country, it’s essential that we take opportunities like this to celebrate the achievements of our staff and reflect on the excellent work that they do for our patients.”

Mr March added: “Our staff continue to provide the very best care to our patients and I know the enormous gratitude and respect that local people have for them. I am constantly impressed by the innovation and pride of our staff which is highlighted so strongly through these awards and the day-to-day work that they do within the hospital.”

Chief Executive’s Leadership Award

Winner: Henry Wilding, service manager, Salisbury Department of Sexual Health

Chairman’s Outstanding Contribution Award

Winner: Carolyn Sawyer, senior sister and manager, Pembroke Ward

Unsung Hero Award

Winner: Rose Daish, senior nursing assistant, Theatres

Highly Commended: John Battersby, clinical nurse specialist, Head and Neck Services.

Highly Commended: Stalin Sunny, catering assistant, Hedgerows coffee shop

Customer Care Team Award

Winner: Dermatology Department

Highly Commended: Emergency Department

Highly Commended:

Catering Team Customer Care Individual Award

Winner: Carol Blake, Nursing Assistant, Sarum Children’s Ward

Highly Commended: Katharine Wilcocks, specialist physiotherapist, Orthopaedics

Highly Commended: Lucy Cremin, specialist physiotherapist, Plastic Surgery

Governors’ Volunteer Award Individual

Winner: Julia Chute, Burns Unit Group Support (BUGS) Chairman Team Winner: Anne Harding and Joan Phillips, hospice volunteers

Equality and Diversity Award

Winner: Lisa Brown, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Champion

Highly Commended: ArtCare Team

Highly Commended: Human Resources Health and Wellbeing Group Service

Improvement Individual and Team Award

Winner: Laundry Team

Highly Commended: Clinical Psychology and Staff Club

Highly Commended: Ophthalmology Department Highly Commended: Doctors Nick Carty, Charles Ranaboldo and Shelley King

Highly Commended: The Endoscopy Department

Service Improvement Sponsored Project Award

Winner: Drs Carmen Carroll, Clare Shinton, Katie Duff-Walker and Stefka Behova

Highly Commended: Shirley Kinsey and Kim Melbourne

Service Improvement Learning Award

Winner: Kate Bennett and Lynda Isaac Highly Commended: Retinal Screening Team.

Pinder Award

Winner: Dawn Whitmarsh, staff nurse, Whiteparish Ward