Cumbria's NHS heroes celebrated at national ceremony (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cumbria's NHS heroes celebrated at national ceremony

1:51pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

A NURSING assistant and paediatric physiotherapist from Westmorland General Hospital were among a group of 'NHS Heroes' celebrated at an awards ceremony.

Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust had 16 nominations for the national awards, acknowledging staff whose expertise, passion for care, and everyday kindnesses, enhance the lives of patients and their families. They had been nominated by both colleagues and patients.

Laura Woodley, a nursing assistant, was praised for her bedside manner and described by colleagues as having 'a generous and honest heart'.

Paediatric physiotherapist Pauline Bateman was nominated because of her desire to make services better, while Elaine Stock from the health visiting team was singled out for her organisational skills and 'lovely calming ear'

Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Sarah Senior said: "NHS Heroes are nominated for showing exceptional compassion, kindness and skill to make sure that each and every patient receives the very best care. This is at the very heart of everything we try and do within the Trust.

"I am delighted that the exceptional care and work of our dedicated staff has been recognised at a national level. We see this dedication every day so it is no surprise that so many of our staff were nominated."

Nominee Diane Smith who recently retired as an Integrated Service Manager in Barrow and South Lakeland said: "I am delighted; this is a great way to end my career.

"I have always felt from day one as an 18-year-old what a privilege it is to work for the NHS. We have tough jobs but we are really proud and I am fortunate to have been able to work with fantastic colleagues."