Staff and volunteers were praised for their hard work and dedication at the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust awards ceremony hosted by the comedienne Mrs Barbara Nice of Phoenix Nights fame.

Over 200 staff gathered at Banks’s Stadium, Bescot, to celebrate the successes and achievements of their friends and colleagues at the Trust’s Achievement Awards. Chris Oakes, Director for Workforce and Learning Development kicked off the event paying tribute to everyone who had either been nominated for an award or who had achieved a qualification.

Service users, carers and staff were asked to nominate people who they felt were deserving of an accolade.

The Achievement Awards, sponsored by some of the Trust’s main suppliers, recognise teams and individuals across the Trust who have made an outstanding contribution. Nominations were made in six categories:

  • Ad Esse Consulting Making a Difference Award
  • Absolute Interpreting and Translation Transforming Services Award
  • Kier Construction Working Together Award
  • Norland Supporting Excellence Award
  • Mills and Reeve Driving for Excellence Award

 EE Recognising our Volunteers and Service User Partners Award There were also four categories of award this year celebrating exceptional performance in each division.

Sandra Rutter, PA to the Chief Executive, winner of the Corporate Directorate Excellence Award said: “What a privilege it was to have been nominated for such a prestigious award and what a huge honour it was to have won.”

Other staff who were singled out for praise included those with 100% attendance record for the last three years, individuals completing 25 years’ service within the NHS and people receiving qualifications ranging from NVQs to BSCs.

Speaking at the event, Karen Dowman, Chief Executive said: “Many different types of success and contributions are being marked here today.

“Today is not only about recognising and celebrating achievements but it is also to show thanks and appreciation to all staff who show continued commitment to the Trust, day in, day out.”

The Making a Difference Award was won by Dr David Rose, Psychologist at Ridge Hill Centre who was described as ‘a tireless advocate for his clients’. Greg Field, Team Leader of the children’s palliative care service won the Transforming Services award and was praised as a highly motivated and inspirational leader.

Robert Peumalu and Sean Hare, Practice Placement Managers, received the Working Together Award for their outstanding partnership work with universities and other agencies. The Core Skills Training Team from Learning and Development took the Supporting Excellence Award acknowledging their outstanding contribution in a non-clinical role/team. The Driving for Excellence Award went to the Practice Development Team for their innovative work in training staff.

Meanwhile the Recognising our Volunteers and Service User Partners Award was given to an individual who routinely goes that extra mile for the Trust.

Philip Whitehouse, a volunteer at Hallam Street Hospital, West Bromwich said: “I was delighted just to be nominated but to win was a huge surprise which left me feeling extremely honoured.

“I have been a volunteer for a number of years now. This award not only acknowledges the work all volunteers do but shows how much the Trust values our efforts.

“I would like to thank the Hallam Street team for nominating me, especially Lindsey Perkins, my mentor. I just hope my volunteering is aiding patients with their recovery.”