Trust celebrates the excellence of its dedicated staff
This year, for the first time the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has held its very own awards to recognise the high-quality services provided by its committed and dedicated staff.
There were 120 entries into the ‘Excellence 09’ awards from across all services and localities and all applications were of an exceptionally high standard so the judges had a very tough job.
One judge commented, “All the entries were excellent, I was so impressed. Judging was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my career.”
It was important to the Trust to have a range of people judging the awards so the panel included staff (from every service area as well as non-clinical support services, allied health professionals and social care), service users, carers, Members’ Council representatives and external partners.
Awards were presented in 14 categories, including Clinical Excellence, Innovation and Outstanding Leadership.
Excellence 09 was celebrated at the Galpharm Stadium on the outskirts of Huddersfield with special guest Ian Clayton, who entertained the audience with his witty tales and experiences of mental health.
Speaking of the nominees work Ian said, "I think you all deserve a medal as big as a dustbin lid."
Everyone who entered the awards had an opportunity to showcase their good practice at a special exhibition in the afternoon and long service awards were also presented to staff who had served 25 years or more with the NHS.
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s chief executive, Steven Michael, said: "Every day our hard working and dedicated staff work to improve the lives of local people. Our awards were an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional, innovative work of staff across our Trust – from housekeepers to therapists, doctors to human resources managers. By working together our skilled workforce will continue to help people with mental health problems and learning disabilities live life to the full. I am extremely proud of our NHS and social care staff and am delighted we were able to recognise them through these awards."