THE efforts of staff at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including a physiotherapist from Basingstoke, have been recognised on a national level at The WOW! Awards Annual Gala 2017.

Staff from the Trust had been shortlisted as finalists in four categories at the awards, which recognises the delivery of outstanding customer care by teams and individuals committed to delivering the best possible service.

This number included Musculoskeletal Specialist physiotherapist, Chris Mitchell from Basingstoke, who is a finalist in the ‘WOW! You changed my life’ category.

The nomination is to pay thanks to his continued dedication to help patient Joy Deadman walk again, following years of complications and setbacks.

Joy Deadman said: “I would never be where I am if it wasn't for Chris.

“He is the most incredible man full of compassion for his patients.

“I would have spent most of my life in a wheelchair if it wasn't for his determination to get me walking, I will forever be so grateful to Chris.”

Chris has done incredibly well to the nominated for the award as the finalists were chosen from over 20,000 nominations from customers and colleagues from a broad range of organisations across the UK, Europe and Australia.

The critical care team in the intensive care unit at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester were nominated for care they provided to a patient and their family during their final days together, the family nominated them for the ‘WOW! What a team!’ category.

Dr Antony Ashton, critical care consultant, said: “I feel extremely honoured and proud to be part of a team that delivers such a high standard of compassionate care to patients and families who are going through some of the most difficult and emotional experiences of their lives.

“It is a wonderful recognition for the whole team’s dedication to care that we have been nominated for this national award.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, said: “The WOW! Awards play a really important role in the Trust, giving patients, visitors and staff the chance to highlight some of the amazing work being done every day.”

Winners of the national WOW! Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony later in the year.