Salute to heroes - NHS stars win awards - Accolade for “quiet achievers” who work at the frontline or behind the scenes.

Published: 29 December 2010
by TOM FOOT

HEROES of the health service were commended at an awards ceremony, writes Tom Foot.

The annual Health Star Awards were presented at NHS Islington headquarters in Angel. 

Patients and NHS staff were asked to nominate the “quiet achievers” who work at the frontline or behind the scenes.

Winners ranged from children’s support workers to web designers.

NHS Islington chairwoman Paula Khan said: “In times of such radical change in the NHS, it is vital to remember and reward the people who dedicate their time to improving the health and wellbeing of residents.”

Ms Khan presented the awards along with NHS Islington chief executive Helen Pettersen.

The winners were:
Overall winner: George Howard, senior commissioning manager, older people. Highly commended, joint commissioning team.
Outstanding contribution – corporate, finance or administrative: Steven Howard, web services developer. Highly commended, FHS contracts team; business development team.
Outstanding contribution to patient experience – community health services: Kate Ewing, Islington community rehabilitation team. Highly commended, Sheila Crowhurst, health centre administrator, Goodinge and Holloway community health centres; Jo Cleveland-Dunn, support worker, community children’s nursing.
Outstanding contribution to patient experience – GP: Dr Jeremy Marshall, Islington Central Medical Centre; River Place Health Centre.
Outstanding contribution to patient experience – pharmacist, dentist or optometrist: Kind and Dental, 99 Newington Green Road. Highly commended, Bipin Patel, Turnbulls Chemist, 155 Essex Road; Ali Sachoo, Torrance Dental Centre, 188 Seven Sisters Road.
Going the extra mile – the personal contribution: Asha Dabee, locality manager, Universal Children’s Services. Highly commended, MA Shah, dentist, 105 Stroud Green Road.