Celebrating Excellence in Care: The Pennine Care People Awards
The Pennine Care People Awards recently took place, shining a spotlight on the remarkable dedication, compassion, and contributions of NHS staff from the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. This prestigious event, held in a Manchester hotel, brought together over 400 staff members who work tirelessly to provide essential mental health, learning disability, and autism services across various regions, including Oldham, Bury, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale, Stockport, and Tameside.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
The awards ceremony was an evening filled with heartwarming stories that highlighted the relentless hard work and outstanding achievements of individuals and teams within the trust. The atmosphere was charged with positivity and gratitude as colleagues gathered to celebrate the profound impact they have on the lives of patients, families, and carers. The event was hosted by international mental health ambassador Poppy Jaman OBE, who delivered an inspiring speech before introducing the nine award categories.
A Record Number of Nominations
Pennine Care’s chief executive, Anthony Hassall, expressed his pride in the event, noting the significant increase in award submissions this year, with a staggering 533 nominations received. This surge reflects the exceptional work being done across the organization. Hassall remarked, "The examples shared on the night were just a snapshot," emphasizing the depth of dedication exhibited by the staff. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the nine winners, finalists, and everyone who was nominated, reinforcing the trust’s gratitude for its workforce.
Awards and Achievements
The ceremony featured nine distinct awards, each recognizing different facets of excellence within the trust. Among the notable winners was the Oldham-based community mental health champion project, which received the "Brilliant Partnership Award." This initiative, a collaboration between Pennine Care and the Oldham Women’s Chai Project, successfully trained women from the South Asian community to become mental health champions, empowering them to support their community.
The "Great Innovation Award" was presented to Beth Byrne and Olivia Barratt for their impressive achievement in reducing the use of agency staff from 44% to 20% earlier this year. Claire Lilley, the learning disability programme manager, was honored as "Colleague of the Year," while Yasmin Khan, the transformation project manager, received the "Inspirational Leader Award." The "Prestigious Team of the Year Award" went to the Pennine Care out-of-area placement team, which achieved a remarkable 60% reduction in the number of patients in out-of-area beds.
A Celebration of Community and Collaboration
The event was not only a platform for recognition but also a celebration of community spirit. The Pennine Care Choir, funded by the Pennine Care Charity, and the Manchester Proud Chorus, a community choir for the LGBTQI+ community, provided uplifting entertainment, further enhancing the evening’s joyous atmosphere.
Evelyn Asante-Mensah OBE, chair of Pennine Care, reflected on the event’s success, stating, "This was our best event so far. The love and joy in the room was infectious and continues to radiate across our organization." Her personal experiences with the NHS underscored the importance of recognizing the dedication of healthcare professionals, whom she described as "the beating heart of the NHS."
Inspirational Words from the Host
Poppy Jaman OBE, the event host, shared her own reflections on the evening, stating, "It was such a privilege to be part of the 2024 Pennine Care People Awards." With two decades of experience in mental health, she expressed her ongoing inspiration from the care and dedication shown by NHS colleagues. Jaman emphasized the commitment of staff to make a positive difference in people’s lives, describing the ceremony as a "rollercoaster of emotions" that she would never forget.
A Legacy of Care
The Pennine Care People Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role that NHS staff play in the community. By honoring their achievements and sharing their stories, the awards not only celebrate individual and team successes but also inspire continued excellence in care. For more information on the winners and other finalists, the Pennine Care website offers a comprehensive overview of the event and its honorees.
