THE INSPIRING and innovative work of staff at Bradford’s hospitals was recognised at a special awards ceremony.

The Brilliant Bradford awards saw those who work for the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) and St Luke’s Hospital, praised for excellence in their field and for going the extra mile to improve the lives of those they care for.

The ceremony was held at Valley Parade and was sponsored by Sovereign Healthcare. The contributions and achievements of staff at all levels were celebrated.

And the awards were made all the more special this year, as 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

Chief Executive, Professor Clive Kay, said: “We know that there are many staff who go the extra mile, have done something extraordinary, perhaps come up with innovative ideas or simply make our trust a more welcoming, caring and friendly place to work and be treated and cared for.

“If ever I need reminding just how brilliant our staff are, day in, day out, then the annual staff awards always brings it home loud and clear. I would like to thank all those who took the time to submit a nomination and congratulate all those who were successful.”

This year there were seven awards on offer, with five other special awards presented on the night.

Team of the Year went to the The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in-situ Simulation Team, while the Employee of the Year award was presented to Patricia (Trish) Kay, Housekeeper, Ward 6, BRI. Joanne Kennedy, Assistant Director of Contracting, took home the Finance and Performance Excellence Award and the Excellence in Care Award was handed to Caroline Salt, Lead Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist.

The winner of the Learning Excellence Award was Ruth Boocock, Highly Specialist Dietitian/Team Leader, Diabetes. Gez Barrett, Matron, Intensive Care Unit, took home the Valuing People Award, while Kirsten Foster, Principal Dietitian, Paediatrics and Public Health, won the Excellence in Collaboration Award.

Saurav Kataria and Richard Libertini were named Trainees of the Year, while porter Leon Watmuff took home the Chief Executive’s Unsung Hero Award.

The Chairman’s Unsung Hero award went to Business Intelligence Analyst Munir Yousef. Transformation Manager Sonia Nosheen won the Personal Impact Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Sister Barbara Brown, from St Luke’s Hospital,who has clocked up 50 years’ service in the NHS.