Scarborough Hospital porter receives ‘Patient Choice’ award
The winners of this year's Celebration of Achievement were unveiled in a dazzling awards ceremony at York Racecourse last week, where the Trust's finest were congratulated and praised for their efforts.
Each yearYork and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust publicly appeals to patients and their families to tell them about their local hero - the individual who has made a real difference to their experience by creating a positive, enduring impression.
Richard Atkinson, a long-serving member of staff, who works as a porter at Scarborough Hospital, received this year’s honour from Dawn Parkes, Chief Nurse, for ‘exceeding expectations in his care for patients and support for colleagues’.
The ‘Patient Choice’ award gives the public the opportunity to tell the Trust their stories and to say 'thank you' by recognising their outstanding care, treatment, and kindness freely given when needed the most.
Richard, fondly known as ‘Rich’ was nominated by Harriet Fawley, who recognised he had gone that extra mile for a patient, when her own brother required emergency care whilst he was on his way to work.
She explained: “Rich went out of his way to offer support him. Rich then went onto his shift and continued to check on him, where his kindness and compassion shone.
“Rich explained what had happened to him as he had no recollection and offered reassurance which proved a great comfort. Rich emulates Trust values and after his length of service deserves recognition for the difference, he makes to both patients and colleagues.
“It meant so much, my brother has now gone onto work as a security guard himself, in a similar role to Rich. Patients and colleagues really matter to Rich, and I think that shows all the time.
“He is the heart and soul of Scarborough Hospital,” she added.
Richard explained receiving the award was something he would remember for a long time.
He said: “I am honoured and privileged to accept this award, in a room filled with many unsung heroes that work within our Trust, it’s so humbling. I think what makes it extra special was the nomination is from patients.”
The annual Celebration of Achievement event is generously fully funded by sponsors, whose sponsorship makes the event possible.
This year’s headline sponsor was PPL Training, who is one of the UK’s leading Safe Systems of Work and Technical Compliance training course providers, and currently work with over 100+ NHS trusts year on year. However, their business' roots firmly in York, as a family-run, engineer-led organisation since 2005.
For a second time, the Patient Choice Award was sponsored Twenty Five (York Ltd). Based in the heart of York, Twenty Five is an innovative, multi-disciplined principal contractor providing fit out, refurbishment, joinery and construction.
The event, which was attended by 350 staff, showcases the excellent work taking place and reflect the diversity of skills, expertise, and contributions staff provide each day for the benefit of others. The event is a prestigious occasion that honours those who go 'above and beyond' in their approach to their everyday work across the North Yorkshire and East Coast.
Picking up top awards for going above and beyond were staff from hospitals and community teams as well as consultants, physiotherapists, project managers, speech therapists, nurses, allied health professionals, volunteers, and colleagues who show commitment and courage in their daily working lives.