IN the week the NHS turned 70, the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust hosted its annual You’re A Star Awards.

Held last night, the birthday-themed evening recognised the achievements of staff and volunteers who have gone the extra mile.

The red carpet was rolled out to welcome guests to the Mercure Bradford Bankfield Hotel, where, dedicated staff and volunteers from across the district were recognised across five award categories and the winners were revealed.

The awards, now in their fourteenth year showcase the best examples of outstanding care across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

The event’s main supporter, Bradford-based Sovereign Healthcare, provided £1,000 to the winner of each category to support their ongoing work to benefit patients.

Short films highlighting nominee achievements were screened as part of the ceremony, with some including heartfelt testimonials from patients and carers.

The winner of the Unsung Hero award was Ruth Wood, an occupational therapist at the trust's Dementia Assessment Unit. She was noted by her colleagues on the ward for her ability to ‘make a real connection’ with the patients that she cares for, often going above and beyond to help make patients stay as comfortable as possible by supporting with a range of meaningful and engaging activities.

She said: “It is wonderful to have been nominated for this award and to have won – I am humbled and delighted.”

The Working Together award went to Grainne Eloi, Interim Head of Mental Health Services, who has been working with the local authority, police and voluntary sector agencies to improve urgent and emergency mental health crisis support for vulnerable people, resulting in people being cared for closer to home, with no out of area placements over the last three years.

“What a lovely acknowledgement of what we have done as a collective, I am delighted to have won the award and to be recognised for the work that we do – it is absolutely amazing," Grainne said.

The estates and facilities team picked up the the Non-Clinical Stars award.

They proved their dedication earlier this year when, working tirelessly outside their typical work hours, they gritted roads and paths during heavy snowfall.

Speaking on behalf of the department, Paula Ottley, Facilities Integration and Development Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have won the award – it is outstanding recognition for the estates and facilities team.”

The winner of the Improving Patient Experience award was the specialist palliative care team, which is dedicated to providing peaceful and dignified end of life care for patients.

The team was noted for their ‘can-do’ attitude to ensure patients get the services they need.

Speaking on behalf of her team, Belinda Marks said: “We all get a massive buzz from making a difference to people’s lives and you only have one chance to get it right – so this award goes out to all the patients and families that we support.”

Annette Whomack-Brown was named the winner of the Innovation and Quality award.

Annette is an activity coordinator at Lynfield Mount Hospital and had the idea to open the Four Seasons Cafe at the hospital.

This now means that patients and their families have a non-clinical space to spend quality time together, out of a ward environment.

The arts themed ‘therapeutic café’ has been a success with patients and families, enhancing the quality of visiting times.

The space was developed in consultation with patients who use the facilities, from naming the cafe to the artwork, created by patients, which adorns the walls.

“It’s fantastic to be acknowledged in this way and I hope that it will inspire other people to come forward with ideas that can hopefully make a difference to the patients we care for," Annette said.

Mike Smith, Chair of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “In this the NHS’ 70th anniversary year, there has never been a better time to recognise the extraordinary care our dedicated staff and volunteers deliver every day, often going above and beyond to ensure that people that use our services get the best possible care.

"Our annual awards recognise these remarkable people and it’s right that we come together to pay tribute to these healthcare heroes.”