Healthcare professionals from Warrington and Halton were honoured at the North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust’s annual Thank You Awards, which recognise outstanding service across hospitals, community care, and support teams.
Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of the trust, said: “Our Thank You Awards provide the opportunity for us to recognise the incredible work our teams do across hospital and community services.
The Paediatric Respiratory Team were winners of the Clinical Team of the Year Award (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
“This year was particularly special as we celebrated our first awards as North Cheshire and Mersey, and it was a privilege to celebrate the dedication, outstanding achievements, and teamwork across our trust.
“Events like these are an important way to pause and reflect on our achievements, which wouldn’t be possible without colleagues’ commitment to what matters most – our patients, our communities, and one another.”
More than 500 nominations were received this year across 12 categories.
The Medical Engineering received the Non-Clinical Team of the Year Award (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
The Paediatric Respiratory Team was named Clinical Team of the Year for their work to cut waiting times and transform asthma care for children and young people.
The Medical Engineering Team won Non-Clinical Team of the Year for their ‘can-do’ attitude and commitment to ensuring safe, seamless and reliable care across the trust through equipment maintenance and innovation.
Dr Furhan Razzaq was named Clinical Colleague of the Year and was commended for his approachable nature, compassion and commitment to ensuring the highest clinical standards.
Dr Furhan Razzaq, winner of the Clinical Colleague of the Year Award (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
Julie Cartledge, who won the Non-Clinical Colleague of the Year award, was praised for being the “pillar of the team.”
A new award introduced this year, the Healthcare Hero Award, went to community district nurse Jade Ward for her “extraordinary act” of stopping to help at the scene of a car accident.
Three special awards were also presented.
The award was presented to Julie Cartledge, admin and clerical officer (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
The Charity Champion Award, marking the 30th anniversary of the WHH Charity, went to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Warrington.
Shaun Ryan of Protive Security and Laurence Barrow of Barrow Electrical were both highly commended.
The People’s Choice Award, which is open to public nominations, was given to care support worker Cristobelle Federico for her creativity and dedication to transforming the experience of patients living with dementia.
Dr Lalith Chinnappan, consultant gastroenterologist / hepatologist and associate medical director for patient safety was presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award by Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
The final award of the evening was presented by Nikhil Khashu, chief executive, to Dr Lalitha Chinnappan for her “unquestionable” commitment to patient safety and innovative work to transform histopathology cancer referral pathways.
Other notable winners included Zetta Edwards, learning disability and autism matron, who received the Diversity and Inclusion Award for her work to transform care and develop inclusive patient pathways, and Adam Harrison-Moran, who was named Inspiring Leader.
The Ambient Voice Technology Project Team won the Innovation, Improvement and Research Award.
Community district nurse, Jade Ward, was presented with the Healthcare Hero award for her act of bravery (Image: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust)
A charity raffle held during the event raised £2,500 for the Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity.
The event was sponsored by Urolase, Patchwork, Hill Dickinson, Kier, the University of Chester, BT, Max20, Weightmans, Pulse Outdoor Advertising, Axis CLC, City Building Engineering Services, CoolMed and SARD.
The full list of winners is available on the North Cheshire and Mersey website.