Trust hosts ‘Our People Awards’ to celebrate staff

29th April 2024

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust recently hosted their first staff recognition awards post- Covid to highlight the exemplary work that happens in the Southern Trust, celebrating staff who go above and beyond to provide safe, high-quality care.

Two thirds of our staff provide direct hands-on care to patients and service users with a third providing essential behind the scenes support, without which the delivery of care simply would not happen.

There were eight award categories, six of which were, Working Together Behind the Scenes, Working Together Front line, Everyday Heroes, Leading by Example, Partnership Working and Quality Improvement.

The Steps to Wellness Team, scooped the top award for their entry in Working Together Team of The Year, Front-line. Laura McAuley, SAS Urology Doctor and Kerrie Johnston, Social Work Assistant lifted the Overall Runner-up award.

We also had a People’s Choice award which gave members of the public the opportunity to nominate. Fiona Keegan, Macmillan Colorectal Nurse won this category for outstanding care and compassion. The Life-time Dedication award was voted for by staff, and Philomena Crossan, Medical Secretary for over 50 years, won this award.

Dr Maria O’Kane, Chief Executive said: “These awards are our way of thanking and recognising those staff who really do a fabulous job and help make the Trust a better place to work for all of us. I am continually impressed and humbled by the commitment of our staff to making services better and improving people’s lives. Today gives me an extra opportunity to pay tribute to each and every member of our Southern Trust team for their dedication and for the excellent service they provide every day.”

“Well done to all of the winners, runners up and those nominated for an award, for the hard work and commitment they have demonstrated”.

Vivienne Toal, Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development says “We have extraordinary staff doing exceptional things every day. Our staff consistently go above and beyond to provide excellent care to patients. This shone through in the nomination forms. It is inspiring and humbling to hear such wonderful stories, and on behalf of the Trust, I thank you all for your extraordinary work.”

Trust Chair, Eileen Mullan addressed staff at the event said, “it is humbling to be amongst Trust colleagues who continue to improve our services and provide compassionate and quality care during such an unprecedented time for healthcare and despite the pressures you all face, you are continually pushing forward to develop new services and drive innovation to support patients.”

Runners-up and winners for each award category:

Working together: Award for Team of the Year (Behind the Scenes)
Runner-up – Organisational Development Admin Team
Winners – Corporate Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Team

Working together: Award for Team of the Year (Front line team)
Runner up – Emergency Department Nursing teams, Craigavon Area Hospital and Daisy Hill Hospital
Winners – Steps To Wellness Mental Health Team

Everyday Heroes: Award for meaningful contribution to the Trust that often goes unrecognised
Runner up – Rachel Vennard, Orthoptic Administrator
Winner – Kerrie Johnston, Social Work Assistant

Leading by Example: Award for Excellence in Leadership
Runner up – Hilary McFaul, Professional Lead for Speech and Language Therapy
Winner – Laura McAuley, Urology SAS Doctor

Life-time Dedication Award
Philomena Crossan, Medical Secretary

Partnership Working: Award for Quality Care – for you, with you
Runner up – Deirdre Grant and Julie-Anne Lee – Community Children’s Nursing
Runner up – Clare McGrady – Heart Failure Nurse Specialist
Winner – Windsor Day Centre Bespoke Bungalow Team

People’s Choice: Award for Outstanding Care & Compassion
Runner up – Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehab Team
Runner up – Siobhan Monaghan, Domiciliary Care Worker
Winner – Fiona Keegan, Macmillan Colorectal Nurse