Local NHS workers recognised for outstanding patient care in community mental health and falls prevention.

Local NHS healthcare workers, from Gosport and Basingstoke have been awarded a coveted national ‘Chief Nursing Officer Award’ for healthcare support workers.

Working for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Katie Simon, a senior rehab assistant, was nominated for her outstanding work providing care to vulnerable patients at risk of falling, by supporting them in their homes to remain independent. 

Kirsty Pope, a healthcare support worker working in community mental health team in Basingstoke, was nominated for her work supporting patients accessing regular mental health support with therapeutic interventions, medication, and check-ups.

Annette Farrell, Health Care Support Worker Programme Lead from NHS England (Southeast), presented the awards to Katie and Kirsty alongside Southern Health’s Paula Hull (Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professions).

Presenting the awards, Annette said: “The people chosen for this award demonstrate the great NHS values of kindness and compassion. They are supportive to their teams, great leaders in their roles and exceptional support workers for our patients. Katie and Kirsty have both achieved across all these areas and are wonderful examples of the support workers we want in the NHS.”

Southern Health’s most senior nurse, Paula Hull commented: “For Katie and Kirsty to both be recognised by NHS England for their commitment to their work, their compassion for patients and colleagues, their leadership skills and qualification achievements is something we are extremely proud of.”

On receiving the award, Katie said: “It was incredible to win this award; I’ve always been quite a humble person. I really enjoy working with patients, to enable them to remain independent and doing as much as I can to achieve the best outcomes for patients. For me not only is it important to network with colleagues, but also to work with carers and families of patients themselves to achieve the best possible outcome for them. So, to be recognised for the effort and the work that I carry out daily is very touching and emotive.  I am extremely proud.”

Adi Phillips, Falls Prevention Team Lead, who nominated Katie, added: “Katie has been with the team for over four years now and during that time she has consistently worked to a very high standard, always put in 100% effort and is so keen to learn and be supportive to our team and others within the Trust and is the font of all knowledge and truly exemplifies what we are trying to do with fall prevention and really makes that happen.”

Kirsty Pope was shocked and surprised to win this award.  “it’s nice to feel that everybody appreciates my work, although I just think I am just doing my job.  I love my job and really enjoy supporting my patients.”

Caroline Fonseca, Service Manager for community mental health team in Basingstoke, said “Kirsty goes above and beyond to ensure that patients receive their medication, often reminding them of appointments and ensuring that their carers and families are involved in their treatment.  Patient care is at the forefront of everything she does.”

The award comes from Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England and recognises the valuable contribution and role that all support workers make to the NHS.  Across the country there are only about 200 that have been awarded since it started in 2019.