Porters from Lister Hospital in Stevenage have been crowned the team of the year in a national awards ceremony.
Representatives from the team attended the MyPorter Awards last week which celebrates the work of porters across the NHS, and said they were “incredibly proud” to take home the Portering Team of the Year Award.
The judges said the award was in recognition of teams that have shown extraordinary resilience, teamwork and contribution to their NHS trust, acknowledging the challenges of the pandemic and demonstrating how teams have adapted to overcome huge difficulties.
The award, one of six given out on the night after more than 100 nominations were received from across the country, also shines a light in recognition of teams that have gone above and beyond to embody the meaning of teamwork.
The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust – which runs Hertford County Hospital, Lister Hospital in Stevenage, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood, London, and the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City – also had Naga Vejandla shortlisted as a finalist alongside three other porters for the individual MyPorter Award.
Paul Worbey, portering and transport manager at the Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team for being recognised with this award. The dedication and professionalism they have shown throughout the difficult and challenging pandemic period has been exemplary.
“To win a national award and see Naga Vejandla shortlisted for individual acclaim showcases the combined efforts of the Trust, and reinforces the importance of the role our team plays. I would like to thank and congratulate them for their continued efforts.”
Kevin Howell, director of estates and facilities at the Trust, added: “I am immensely proud. It gives me great pleasure to see our portering team recognised for the exceptional work they do, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care, in every aspect of their visit – from arrival to departure.
“The team’s warm interaction, kind words, reassuring smiles and personal touches are equally as important as the ongoing exceptional clinical care that our patients receive.
“This award will come as no surprise to our clinical and nursing staff, who witness the great work the team does on a daily basis. It not only recognises the normal day-to-day interactions with patients, but also commends the care and dignity that our porters show. Their care is so much more than just routine patient movement.
“It is a testament to the team to be recognised nationally for this award and I would like to thank and congratulate them for all that they continue to do.”
