HOSPITAL bosses recognised the hard work and significant achievements of their staff during an awards ceremony. Hosted by TV presenter Pam Rhodes, The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust held its annual staff awards ceremony in the grounds of Knebworth

HOSPITAL bosses recognised the hard work and significant achievements of their staff during an awards ceremony.

Hosted by TV presenter Pam Rhodes, The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust held its annual staff awards ceremony in the grounds of Knebworth House.

Staff were invited to nominate people for innovation, the best team leader and the best team and the entries were judged by a panel of staff and management.

In addition, the Trust's chief executive Nick Carver presented his own awards to people he felt have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation.

The award for best team leader went to Kath Evans - lead nurse in children's services.

In a special edition of the Trust's staff bulletin it said: "Kath is a caring and capable team leader and through her enthusiastic leadership she sets an outstanding example to her colleagues within the department and beyond."

The cardiac suite at Lister won the award for best team.

The staff bulletin said: "When the business case for the catheter laboratory was developed in 2003/04, it envisaged the Trust providing diagnostic coronary angiography and pacemaker implants.

"The staff at the Lister's cardiac suite have planned and implemented this programme successfully to improve services for patients."

The innovation award is given for an original idea or development of a service or department and the winner this year was pain management specialist Ella Van Raders for acupuncture for musculo-skeletal problems.

The staff bulletin said: "Ella responded to a need she identified after reading the occupational health department's annual report published in June 2006. "The report highlighted that a large number of staff were suffering with musculo-skeletal disorders, which had an adverse effect on working roles and responsibilities.

"Ella has now treated over 30 members of staff from various departments with impressive results."

The chief executive's awards are presented to an individual or team in recognition of the outstanding contribution they have made to the organisation.

This year three individuals received an award: Claire Randall, staff nurse in the children's A&E at Lister, Professor Ken Farrington, consultant nephrologist and deputy medical director, and Chris Boseley, safety and security manager.

The staff bulletin said: "Claire is a motivated and enthusiastic nurse who is keen to explore opportunities to enhance care for children and families and to build on the excellent reputation of the children's A&E service in the Trust.

"Also, in February this year Claire heard a commotion in her street which turned out to be an 18-month-old choking.

"Thanks to Claire's swift action in the street and in calling the children's A&E department to warn them of the emergency, the little girl has made a full recovery."

The bulletin also said: "Ken's commitment and enthusiasm for education was fundamental to the development of the Lister Education Centre.

"He also provides leadership and guidance for training including mentoring and support to six research papers published in partnership with special registrars in 2005/6 alone.

"Ken is also chairman of the National Nephrology Committee, providing leadership and advice to NHS organisations across the country."

Ken was unable to collect his award on the night because he was preparing for a national nephrology conference.

About Chris, the bulletin concluded: "Chris is proving herself to be committed to improving the health, safety and welfare of both staff and patients.

"Chris has improved the Trust's working relationship with the police - representing the Trust at crime and disorder reduction partnership meetings across the county.