Palliative Care Initiative and Asha Addiction Centre recognised at Western Trust's annual staff awards

A COOMUNITY-based palliative care medicine project team and the Asha Centre Addiction Treatment Unit, Omagh, have been honoured at this year’s Western Health and Social Care Trust’s (Western Trust) Staff Recognition Awards, held at the Everglades Hotel, Derry-Londonderry, recently.

The ‘Just-In-Case-Box’ Working Group were delighted to win the Working Together Team Award in recognition of their collaborative work with district nurses, GPs, community pharmacists, families and palliative care patients. The patient-focused project is designed to support people receiving end-of-life care in the community, ensuring medication is readily available to manage symptoms as soon as they occur.

Staff at the Asha Centre Addiction Treatment Unit picked up the coveted Patient Feedback and Experience Award for their work supporting people with addictions.

The annual staff recognition awards are the highlight of the Western Trust’s year, celebrating the outstanding contribution of staff. There are twelve main award categories and nine professional awards, each designed to acknowledge individual staff and teams and celebrate leadership, compassion, innovation, patient care and working together.

Omagh area staff also recognised at the awards were the Trust’s First Learning Disability Dementia Nurse, Alison Bristow and Maria Cunningham, Training and Quality Manager both received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Brendan McGrath, Assistant Director Nursing Workforce, Planning and Modernisation also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The inaugural Darren Strawbridge Mental Health and Wellbeing Award was presented to Perinatal Mental Health Lead Social Worker, Mairead Donnelly for her contribution to supporting women who are affected by perinatal mental health.

Welcoming everyone to the ceremony, Western Trust Chair, Dr Tom Frawley CBE, said: “This event is one of the highlights of our year - a time when we come together not only to celebrate your achievements, but to recognise the unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience you demonstrate every single day.

“Staff are the beating heart of the Western Trust, playing a vital role in the care we deliver to our patients, service users and the communities we serve. Whether you work on the frontline, within our local communities, or behind the scenes, every contribution matters.

“Our challenges remain constant, and the need to adapt and evolve continues. Yet, we rarely get the opportunity to pause to acknowledge the incredible work, innovation and dedication that happens across our Trust every day. That is precisely what the Staff Recognition Awards are about.”

Dr Frawley continued: “Behind every finalist and team represented is a story of colleagues supporting one another, and of individuals who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference to patients and service users. They are what makes our health and social care service such a unique environment.”

The outgoing Trust chief executive, Neil Guckian expressed his deep appreciation to staff, he said: “Every nominee represents the very best of our values. Whether delivering direct patient care, supporting services behind the scenes or driving innovation, they have made a meaningful difference to the lives of those we serve. I am incredibly proud of our workforce and humbled by their continued commitment to improving health outcomes for our communities.

“Whilst the awards highlight outstanding successes, and the implementation of encompass was a huge collective achievement this year, they also reflect the daily efforts of thousands of staff who consistently show resilience, skill and kindness. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Trust staff for always striving to deliver the highest standards of care.

“Our system continues to face significant pressure, but the strength, creativity and compassion of our staff gives me a continuing confidence in our ability to meet these challenges together.”