The outstanding accomplishments of staff, partners and volunteers working in NHS mental health and learning disability services in Surrey and North East Hampshire were recognised at a virtual awards ceremony on Tuesday 11 May.
The annual Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Staff Awards recognise the achievements of dedicated staff, volunteers and partners who go the extra mile to improve the lives of the people and communities they serve. It is a key highlight in the Trust’s calendar.
The 2019/2020 Staff Awards had been due to take place in summer 2020 but were halted because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The virtual event that took place this week was hosted by Chief Executive, Graham Wareham, and ensured staff got the recognition they deserved in a safe environment.
This year there were nine award categories and 172 nominations received. The Judging Panel shortlisted 27 finalists for either a bronze, silver or gold award. All those nominated for an award received a certificate and all finalists received a commemorative plaque and prize money.
The virtual awards ceremony highlighted the incredible commitment, hard work and talent of individuals and teams working across the Trust.
The gold award for Employee of the Year went to Grace Tan, Advanced Mental Health Practitioner for the Community Mental Health Team for Older People for Guildford and Waverley. Grace was praised for her leadership skills and compassion and for working tirelessly to help the older people who are supported by the service, their carers and families as well as her colleagues.
Team of the Year went to the Bed Management Team for Working Age Adults. The Team was recognised for going above and beyond to ensure people receive the care they need in the most appropriate inpatient setting. Nominators said they work under pressure with calmness and dedication and go out of their way to ensure a person’s transition from hospital to home is smooth, even if this involves making arrangements for the family pet!
This year included the new category of Quality Improvement Leader of the Year. The gold award went to Alison Foulser, Manager of the i-access Drug and Alcohol Service. Nominators highlighted Alison’s outstanding leadership skills, ability to create a friendly and supportive working environment, and dedication to growing the service and ensuring it delivers the highest standard of care.
A full list of the categories and winners can be found below.
Graham Wareham, Chief Executive at Surrey and Borders Partnership, said: “Even though we were not together in person this year, it was a truly inspiring evening celebrating the outstanding achievements, creativity and commitment of our staff, partners and volunteers.
“These awards, of course, do not reflect the huge contribution of individuals and teams across the Trust during the pandemic, a period that has been extremely demanding for people both personally and professionally. We will be holding a separate event to recognise these achievements in the coming months”.
The finalists
Acute, Urgent and Emergency Services Employee of the Year
Gold - Andrew Jacques, General Manager, Justice and Quality
Silver - Dr Andrea Burton, Consultant, Blake Ward
Bronze - Kelsey Brooker, Therapy Assistant, Intensive Support Service for People with Learning Disabilities
Community Services Employee of the Year
Gold - Theresa Lash, Specialist Dietician, Adult Eating Disorders Service
Silver - David Sanchez, Speech and Language Therapist, Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities
Bronze - Molly Foster, Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Community Mental Health Recovery Service
Social Care Employee of the Year
Gold - Donna Gill, Social Care Service Manager for People with Learning Disabilities
Silver - Kirsty Morris, Social Worker, Community Health Team for Older People
Bronze - Michael May, Social Worker, Community Health Team for Older People
Support Services Employee of the Year
Gold - Mandie MacLennan, Governance Manager
Silver - Yogesh Ramloll, Site and Facilities Manager
Bronze - Vicki Payne, Payroll Liaison and Work Structures Officer
Quality Improvement Leader of the Year
Gold - Alison Foulser, Manager, i-access Drug and Alcohol Service
Silver - Jo Mingo-Rawoo, Dementia Co-ordinator, Community Team for People with Learning Disabilities
Bronze - Kate Sigov, Nurse Consultant and Quality Lead, Children and Young People’s Services
Partner of the Year
Gold - Surrey High Intensity Partnership Programme run by our Trust in partnership with Surrey Police
Silver - David Drew and Penny Giles, Dementia Navigators, Alzheimer’s Society
Bronze - Alex Hancox
Volunteer of the Year
Gold - Judith Lovett, Therapy Dogs Nationwide
Silver - Honorary Youth Counsellors, Youth Counselling Service
Bronze - Bill and Anne Brown, Sunnybank Trust
Team of the Year
Gold - Bed Management Team for Working Age Adults
Silver - Flu Vaccine Team
Bronze – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, South West
Employee of the Year
Gold- Grace Tan, Advanced Practitioner, Community Mental Health Team for Older People
Silver - Amber Omoboni-Smith, Divisional Activities Co-ordinator, Acute Therapy and Diversional Activities Service
Bronze - Tammy Canning, Digital Health Adviser, Digital Health Engagement
