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Minister pays tribute to 'amazing work' of our NHS heroes
Sophie Goodchild, Health Editor5 Jan 2009
HEALTH Secretary Alan Johnson today paid tribute to our NHS Champions winners.
The eight London health heroes were praised for their "amazing work" in a personal letter from the minister.
They include nurses, paramedics and support staff all recognised in a special awards ceremony last month. Mr Johnson added his own congratulations for the "exceptional level of care" they show to patients.
In his letter, he said: "I've been reading over the past few months about the work you have done in hospitals, ambulance services and clinics across the capital, providing an exceptional level of care to those in need. The stories about your work have been inspiring, and show what can be achieved with patience, determination and the support of your colleagues.
"We generally hear too little about the amazing work being done every day in the NHS... I wish you all a good New Year, and I'd like to thank you for all you've done for your organisation and for the patients who have benefited from your skills and compassion."
Nearly 800 patients and staff voted for the winners of the NHS Champions awards run by the King's Fund in association with the Evening Standard and NHS London.
They include Steve Colhoun who went out of his way to help the family of a dead colleague.
The ambulance manager inspired his team to build a treehouse for the son of Ron Pile who was killed in a training accident. Another winner was community health visitor Pat Ash who set up the Honey Pot charity which provides short holidays for deprived young people.
Mr Johnson said the awards rewarded those staff who might otherwise go unrecognised.
He said: "It represents the healthcare system working at its very best, so that the years of training and experience pay off to give patients the best chance of recovery."
Award judges included dot.com entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox, broadcaster George Alagiah and Evening Standard editor Veronica Wadley.
There was also a Making a Difference award to recognise the work of health teams in London.
All the winners were honoured for going beyond the call of duty in carrying out their jobs.
Ms Lane Fox presented a special prize to nurse Niamh Geoghegan from Chelsea and Westminster hospital for her work helping babies and young children.
The businesswoman, who survived a serious car accident, said: "When you're lying flat on your back then it's the personal touches that count. It's about looking at you as an individual and a person."
Reader views (3)
Change "exceptional level of care" to "exceptional level of pay increases to doctors" and we will be a little nearer to the truth. The NHS is abused worldwide and the waiting times come from the Nulabour book of spin, lies, smoke and mirrors. Never has so much money been wasted by so many managers in such a short space of time. Respect to the nurses, porters and those that without we would have no system at all.
- Roger, Surrey, 06/01/2009 09:48
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Is that guy not the same who employs all these useless management consultants wasted? Nu Labor go away!!
- Steveo, London, NW1, 05/01/2009 15:40
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If he was sincere, he would give nurses etc the descent payrise they deserve, words mean nothing unless backed by actions.
- Blind Pugh, Woking, UK, 05/01/2009 12:44
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