Peterborough hospital workers recognised for top patient care

Two hospital workers have been recognised for their patient support and dedicated care with a national NHS award.

Health care assistants Kate Johnstone and Caroline Berry were presented with a Chief Nursing Officer Healthcare Support Worker Excellence Award, after being nominated by colleagues at Peterborough City Hospital.

The awards were introduced by former chief nurse for England Dame Ruth May and recognise the contributions of healthcare support workers.

Ms Johnstone and Ms Berry, who work for Northwest Anglia Foundation Trust, met the criteria for the awards, of which only a handful are presented across NHS Trusts in England each quarter.

Ms Johnstone, who is also shortlisted for a North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Outstanding Achievement Award – was nominated for her implementation of several patient-focused initiatives.

These have included the introduction of social dining for dementia and delirium patients, creating a health care assistant new starter handbook and designing a series of 'My Patient' information laminate cards for colleagues to attach to their ID badge.

Meanwhile, Ms Berry, who has worked for the trust for over 25 years, was nominated for the work she does in mentoring new starters among other things.

Rachel Hearn, clinical quality director for NHS England, said: "We need people like Kate and Caroline in the NHS, and it is important that not only are they recognised for the incredible work they do, but that they have a platform to share their knowledge."

Trust chief nurse Jo Bennis said: "You should both be very proud of yourselves.

"You are making a huge impact on the lives of patients and your colleagues and to be able to celebrate this through these awards is a great achievement."