BRIDGEWATER Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT) – which provides high quality community services in Warrington and Halton – has announced the winners of this year’s ‘Thank You’ awards.
A palliative care team who went over and above to achieve a patient’s final wish, a Dental Officer whose career spans a remarkable 40 plus years and a school immunisation team who quickly vaccinated children after a Chicken Pox outbreak were just some of those recognised over the past 12-months.
The yearly awards acknowledge and reward the huge contribution community healthcare colleagues make to local people.
BCHFT, which also provides dental services in many areas of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside, paid tribute to its clinicians and corporate staff who have supported the delivery of frontline services in health centres, clinics and patients own homes and the individuals and teams who have helped them to do so.
This year, the ceremony highlighted the work of one very special colleague, dental officer Linda Dunlop, who had a double whammy, receiving both the Dental Employee of the Year Award and the prestigious Chair’s Award. This was in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the Trust’s Community Dental service and its patients, many of whom have special needs.
Linda, who is retiring after more than 40 years, is known for her calm approach to treating children, coaxing even the most nervous patients into having treatment, sometimes by creating magical worlds for them through her skills in clinical hypnosis.
She said: “I was over the moon to win the Dental Employee of the Year, so couldn’t believe it when my name was also called out for the Chair’s Award, as it’s the big award of the event! I’ve loved my time at Bridgewater, I feel so proud of everything we achieve day in, day out for our patients.
“I’d like to add that I could not have achieved anything without the help and support of our marvellous dental nurses, receptionists and back-office staff – they get a huge thank you from me. I will really miss my team and the people we care for when I leave in December, but receiving the award will always be a perfect reminder of my career in the NHS.”
“Truly deserving”
Trust chair Karen Bliss said: “As one of our longest serving and most dedicated Dental team members, Linda is truly deserving of this award. She received a record number of nominations from her colleagues, who described her as a mentor and a friend, with patients who adore her.
“The amount of good she has done over the years in relieving pain and restoring the dental health of so many, is truly admirable. We wish her all the best for her retirement in December.”
This year, in celebration of the vital contribution its people make to community healthcare, the Trust handed out a record number of awards, rewarding colleagues across its wide geographical footprint, including its Adult’s, Children’s, Dental and Corporate services.
The list of winners, and what made their nomination standout, included:
Children’s Directorate Employee of the Year
Emma Godfrey, Team Leader and Specialist, Paediatric Bladder and Bowel Service
“Someone who overcomes all challenges with a smile, Emma’s huge enthusiasm to develop her team makes for happy patients and families, too. Because of Emma her team love their jobs, Bridgewater and the NHS.”
Children’s Directorate Team of the Year
Halton and Warrington School-aged Immunisation Team
“Halton and Warrington School-aged Immunisation team always go over and above. This year, faced with an outbreak, they offered Chicken Pox vaccinations with less than 24 hours’ notice.”
Corporate Directorate Employee of the Year
Susan MacFarlane, Administrator
“With an unwavering care and dedication to her work that positively impacts on patient outcomes and experience, Susan is recognised for her robust work ethic, living and breathing the Trust Values.”
Corporate Directorate Team of the Year
Practice Education Facilitator Team
“This year, the Practice Education Facilitators’ increased retention and recruitment to the District Nursing teams, their education programmes also retaining students and giving them a sense of belonging.”
Dental Directorate Employee of the Year
Linda Dunlop, Dental Officer, Dental West, St Helens
“The first into work, the last to leave and the first to volunteer, Linda ensures that all patient needs are met. As she approaches the end of her exemplary career, she’s as dedicated to her colleagues and patients now, as she when she began.”
Dental Directorate Team of the Year
HCRC Widnes Dental Team
“100% committed, HCRC Widnes Dental team go the extra mile, using their creativity to encourage often anxious children to relax during their treatment. As one patient said, ‘if only all dentists could be like this!’”
Halton Directorate Employee of the Year
Claire Regan, District Nurse Co-ordinator – Adult District Nurses, Runcorn West
“Often the first port of call for her colleagues, Claire’s hard work ethic and attention to detail make her stand out. Her team say that Halton are very lucky to have her.”
Halton Directorate Team of the Year
Halton Palliative Care Team
“Halton Palliative Care team’s goal is for every person to have a good death. When a patient became unable to crochet the hearts she wanted given out at her funeral, the team crocheted in their spare time, ensuring she achieved her final wish.”
Warrington Directorate Employee of the Year
Beverley Hoolihan, Administrator, Warrington Central District Nurses
“Integral to her team, Beverley works tirelessly and professionally. Her willingness to lend a hand has also helped develop relationships and collaboration with other teams.”
Warrington Directorate Team of the Year
Warrington Dermatology team
“Warrington Dermatology Team’s patients are always at the forefront of their minds. Anxious patients leave with smiles on their faces and colleagues say: “I would want this team to care for my family.””
Partnership and Collaboration Award
The Apprenticeship Team
“The Apprenticeship Team contribute to the Trust’s commitment to being an Anchor Institute and its aim for Health Equity. Their excellent recruitment and support retain Bridgewater’s Apprentices and this year alone, they’ve told over 3,500 students about NHS careers.”
Research and Innovation Award
Warrington Community Neuroscience Team “Having already introduced “off the shelf splinting” to patients, reducing referrals and hospital appointments, Warrington Community Neuroscience Team now hope to bring bespoke thermoplastic splinting to the service by the end of the year.”
Kindness and Compassion Award
Charlene Liptrot, Infection Control Nurse, Infection Control Assurance
“Always with a kind word, Charlene’s team say she provides the level of kindness, empathy, and compassion in her care that they’d wish to receive themselves.”
Speaking about the whole celebration, Lynne Carter, Bridgewater’s acting chief executive said: “Our Bridgewater ‘Thank You’ Awards are an opportunity to bring together our community teams and it’s been wonderful to be able to reward and recognise so many in this way.
“Community healthcare services are really important to the NHS. We make a huge difference to the many thousands of people’s lives we touch each year.”
