Staff from across Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust were recognised at the Trust’s annual staff awards, celebrating the dedication, compassion and professionalism shown every day across its services.
Around 1000 guests, including staff and partners, attended the ceremony at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena to honour the achievements of colleagues from across the organisation.
A range of awards were presented on the night, recognising both individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver high-quality care and support to patients and their families.
The evening opened with the presentation of three Special Recognition Awards.
The Dermatology AI Team was honoured for transforming how patients with suspected skin cancer are assessed and supported, helping thousands of people receive faster reassurance and diagnosis.
The Domestic Team in Whiston Hospital’s Emergency Department was recognised for the vital role they play in keeping patients safe and supporting clinical teams in one of the busiest and most challenging environments in healthcare.
Volunteer Services at Southport, Whiston, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals were also recognised for the difference they make every day, bringing kindness, reassurance and support to patients, families and staff.
One of the top awards of the evening, Employee of the Year, was awarded to Dr Vamsi Rachapalli, Consultant Radiologist at Whiston Hospital, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, commitment and impact across the Trust.
Community Services in St Helens were named Team of the Year, praised for the vital care they provide to patients outside of hospital settings, supporting people to receive care closer to home.
Two People’s Choice Awards, voted for by local readers, also recognised those making a lasting difference to patients and communities.
Conagh Ellis, Advanced Paediatric Dietitian at Ormskirk Hospital, was named winner of the Stand Up For Southport People’s Choice Award, while the Lilac Centre at St Helens Hospital received the St Helens Star People’s Choice Award.
Other winners on the night included:
- Excellence in Clinical Care: Maternity Department, MWL
- Excellence in Quality Improvement: Musculoskeletal Therapy Outpatient Service
- Excellence in Patient Safety: Stroke Service, Whiston Hospital
- Excellence in Support Services: Operational Site Managers, MWL
- Patient Experience Award: Ward 4B, Surgical Care, Whiston Hospital
- Employee of the Year: Dr Vamsi Rachapalli, Consultant Radiologist, Whiston Hospital
- Team of the Year: Community Services, St Helens
- People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by the St Helens Star): Lilac Centre, Haematology & Oncology Day Unit, St Helens Hospital
- People’s Choice Award (Sponsored by the Stand up for Southport): Conagh Ellis, Advanced Paediatric Dietician, Ormskirk Hospital
Trust Chief Executive Rob Cooper said:
“This evening is an opportunity to recognise the incredible people who make our Trust what it is. Every day, our teams go above and beyond to provide high-quality care and support to our patients and communities.
“I’m hugely proud of every single person who has been recognised, as well as those who were nominated. These awards are a celebration of the commitment, compassion and professionalism that runs through everything we do.”
Sponsored by local and national businesses, and delivered at no cost to the NHS, the annual awards celebrate the enormous difference staff make to the lives of patients and the communities they serve.