Anita Edwards was awarded The People’s Award, which was nominated for by members of the public and patients.

It was one of 19 awards that were given out to staff who work at King’s Mill, Mansfield Community Hospital and Newark Hospital to celebrate their achievements and dedication to delivering outstanding care and service to patients.

Anita was nominated by Kate Phillips, whose mother suffered a stroke and was under Anita’s care at King’s Mill over her birthday.

In her nomination, Kate described Anita as someone who ‘never fails to raise everyone’s spirits by creating a fun and lively environment’.

She said: “Anita creates opportunities for patients to join in individually and in groups, whether it be blowdrying their hair or running their lunch club or games.

“Everything is tailored to the likes and interests of the patients on the ward at the time.

“Anita discovered a lady had her dominoes with her and this quickly ended up being a game the whole bay joined in with, keeping the patients entertained. If it’s a patients birthday, she’ll arrange a pamper session for them.

“It can be a difficult time for relatives and often frightening and uncertain, but the little pockets of normality that Anita is able to bring into their days is hugely appreciated and well worth the recognition.”

Anita said: “I was absolutely stunned when I was announced as the winner. I haven’t the words to explain how I feel!

“It was quite unexpected as I just do what I do in my role, but it makes me feel proud and it’s lovely that a patient’s family member took the time to give feedback and make a nomination.

“It’s an amazing feeling for any member of staff to receive this kind of feedback, never mind win an award.”

The chair of the trust also presented a special award to an overall winner — the Street Health team for their work around taking compassionate care to some of the most vulnerable patients living on the streets. They also won the Aspiring and Improving Award.

The awards ceremony, hosted by chief executive Richard Mitchell, was held at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme.

Richard said: “Nights like these always make me incredibly proud of the Sherwood team. We have had another fantastic year thanks to the hard work and dedication of colleagues. Thank you to all our colleagues and volunteers at Sherwood.”

Winners were:
Communicating and Working Together
Individual: Sue MacDonald – receptionist/Trust HQ admin assistant; runners-up: Jackie Briggs – specialist nurse, Janis Richardson – flow co-ordinator.
Team: Theatre orderly team; runners-up: Menopause Awareness Team, Occupational Health Team.

Aspiring and Improving
Individual: Denise Davies – ward sister (Minster Ward); runners-up: Dan Smith – leadership registrar/respiratory, Elizabeth Smith – senior pelvic, obstetrics and gynaecology physiotherapist.
Team: Street Health; runners-up: Sterile Services, Transition Project Team.

The Kate Granger Award for Respectful and Caring
Individual: Jackie Hatton – stoma care nurse; runners-up: Diane Taylor – deputy ward sister, Michelle Hutchinson – staff nurse Ward 25.
Team: Minster Day Case; runners-up: Civility Saves Lives Team, Theatre Recovery, Ward 34.

Efficient and Safe
Individual: Dionne Archer – specialist occupational therapist; runners-up: Jeanette Lee – physiotherapy assistant, Tracy Dring – lead for training and clinical advisor for medical equipment.
Team: Pharmacy Supply Team; runners-up: Governance Support Unit, Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecology Physiotherapy Team.

Volunteer of the Year Award
Community Involvement Hub Volunteers; runners-up: Andrew Cornell, Joe Lewis, MRI volunteers Newark.

Chris McFarlane Award For Training and Development
Justin Wyatt – ward leader, Ward 43; runners-up: Jaycey Featherstone – assistant Practitioner, Louise Storry – work experience co-ordinator.

Sean Lyons’ Cup for Most Improved Team
Newark Theatre Team; runners-up: Inpatient Therapy Team – Mansfield Community Hospital, Operational Human Resources Team.

Rising Star
Alison Pearson – assistant human resources business partner; runners-up: Louise McMenemy – operations manager, Rachel Cope – senior PPC.

Non-Clinical Services Award
Individual: Sharon Fleming – Audit Clerk; runners-up: Helena Stockdale – Outpatient Reception Supervisor, Kim Mattison – Rostering Services Team Manager, Shirley Timson – clinic prep co-ordinator.
Team: Garry Keay and Ashley Wortley – Groundsmen; runners-up: Central Admin Team – Outpatient Booking Team, Edith Dawson and Rodney Warden – chaplains.

The People’s Award
Anita Edwards – activities co-ordinator (Ward 53); runners-up: Amputee Rehabilitation Team (Clinic 10), Phil Bolger – Intensive Care Nurse.