Nurses and other healthcare staff have been recognised for their contribution to the UK at the NHS Parliamentary Awards.
Among those who scooped awards at the ceremony were nurses in Hertfordshire were recognised for their contribution to ‘covert operations’, working with the police to provide safe and well checks for potential victims of sex trafficking. This is the first operation to involve a collaboration between health services and the police to safeguard these vulnerable individuals who are hard to reach and have limited access to health care.
Additionally, Sheffield Teaching Hospital’s world-leading stem cell team, who have pioneered the use of a breakthrough treatment for multiple sclerosis, the first treatment of its kind to significantly reverse the disease and its debilitating conditions.
‘It has once again been a privilege to celebrate with some of the extraordinarily dedicated and selfless health and care heroes who make the NHS what it is today – the much-loved institution that our patients say is what makes them most proud to be British,’ said Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive.
‘From those who have devoted their lives to helping people and supporting some of our most vulnerable, to delivering pioneering lifesaving treatments, the NHS Parliamentary awards are rightly honouring those who continue to make a huge contribution to our country, through our NHS Long Term Plan.’
More winners at the awards include London GP Dr Peter Buchman, who has worked to encourage rough sleepers and people in temporary housing to register with a doctor. His team at the Royal London Hospital has worked to ensure homeless people have a good experience of healthcare services and is helping prevent discharge back onto the street when they have been admitted to hospital where possible.
‘The success of the National Health Service is built on its wonderful staff, so it is right that MPs champion the outstanding work happening in their local area. I have been blown away by the all the winners including NHS staff, carers and volunteers and their drive to deliver brilliant care to their patients, day in day out, morning and night, throughout the year,’ said Dr Sarah Wollaston, MP and Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee.
‘This year’s lifetime achievement gong is being awarded to Pamela Campbell, a registered nurse from the South whose career has spanned five decades, and her unwavering passion to support vulnerable people including better support for Asylum seekers, people addicted to alcohol and homeless people.’