Whoops, cheers and tears of joy were the order of the night as Oxford Health’s finest gathered for celebrations at the 2019 Staff Recognition Awards.
More than 200 excited attendees from across the trust’s geographical spread gathered at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford to find out who would be victorious in 11 categories – each recognising exceptional teams and individuals.
Staff and volunteers who had been shortlisted were joined by friends, family, senior trust executives and some of the Exceptional People Award winners – who are commended for their service throughout the year – at the special ceremony on December 3.
Trust chief executive Stuart Bell CBE told the audience the fifth awards would be his last as he is to retire in 2020 after 37 years’ service in the NHS – with more than seven of them leading Oxford Health.
He said: “This event is one of the favourite things that I do in the trust, and so it’s a very special evening for me.
“Our vision for Oxford Health is outstanding care provided by outstanding people. This evening proves that this vision is not just talk, it’s realising it. The reason you are all here tonight is because of the outstanding things you are doing, day in and day out, and you are all outstanding people.
“I think tonight is one of those things that just reminds us – in the midst of all events going on in the wider world – just how special the NHS is; how special what the NHS does is and how special the people who work in it really are – and that’s you.
“We’ve had a huge number of nominations this year and for anyone to have got here at all this evening is pretty remarkable.”
Trust chair David Walker paid tribute to Stuart’s ‘calm authority’ and told the audience: “You do great things and the CQC’s latest verdict, I hope, will put wind in our sails to further travel towards that goal of outstanding.”
Each one of the trust’s 6,700-plus staff members had a chance to nominate a team or colleague for special recognition, whether that was being in the forefront of innovation, demonstrating exemplary care, compassion and understanding, or going above and beyond all expectations.
Of the 11 awards one category – Improving Patient Experience – was dedicated to patients’ and service users’ experiences of their treatment with the Trust.
Other categories recognised volunteers for their unstinting commitment, newly qualified nurses and those who help promote equality and diversity.
Winners received an engraved glass trophy, vouchers (£100 individual, £200 team) and a certificate from Mr Bell and Trust chair David Walker. Master of ceremonies was HR Director Tim Boylin.
A trio of musicians kept the tempo upbeat and charged with energy as guests mingled in readiness for the ceremony to begin.
As people chatted about who would win and how great it was to be there. Oxford Health consultant psychiatrists Phil Davison and Theo Bargiotas played a selection of cool jazz accompanied by singer and medical student Lily Goldblatt.
Pianist Phil and violinist Theo have been giving up their evenings to play at the awards for the last five years to share the joy of music. “We like playing and if others like it, better still.
A tombola and raffle in aid of the Oxford Health Charity – the charity that support patients, families, carers and staff wellbeing – raised around £250 on the night which will go to good causes.
The 2019 Staff Recognition Awards was organised by the Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Team supported by a band of volunteer helpers.
Our vision for Oxford Health is outstanding care provided by outstanding people. This evening proves that this vision is not just talk, it’s realising it.
The reason you are all here tonight is because of the outstanding things you are doing, day in and day out, and you are all outstanding people
Melksham Community Hospital,
Melksham, Wiltshire
Each month colleagues, patients, service users, families and carers nominate special individuals who are considered to be exceptional in what they do. Facilitated by the Communications team, a panel of judges choose a winner who get a certificate and £50 voucher.
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