AN Andover-based midwife has been recognised for her dedication and compassion at a hospital trust’s annual awards.

Emily Young was one of 300 members of staff from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust celebrated during its annual WOW! Awards gala ceremony at Holiday in Winchester on Tuesday, February 7.

The midwife, who is based at Andover War Memorial Hospital, claimed the Rotary Club of Andover Award after going the extra mile to help a new mum suffering with severe post-natal depression. “I was surprised and very honoured to win this award,” she said.

“It is my privilege to get the chance to care for women in the way I do.

“I particularly enjoy helping women with additional mental health needs. It’s really rewarding to be able to empower women to care for themselves, their babies and their families.”

The event saw the overall WOW! winners for the year announced, with awards handed out in nine different categories.

Last year, the trust received 2,716 WOW! nominations from colleagues, patients and visitors for staff who had made a difference to someone by exceeding expectations or going the extra mile, with a handful of winners selected by the trust’s public governors each month.

Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of the trust, said: “I know many of you here tonight consider what you do to be all in a day’s work and are modest about your achievements – but I encourage you to be very proud of your contribution.

“By doing what you do, you ensure that our patients receive the best possible clinical care and have an excellent experience and that our staff feel encouraged and want to do their best.”

Guest speaker for the evening was Alex Lewis, who lost both of his arms, both of his legs and part of his face after developing sepsis.

He spoke warmly about the care he received at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, even saying that he was able to look back on his time in hospital with fondness, and inspired the audience with his determination to return to as near normal a life as possible.

Anna O’Brien from Hospital Radio Winchester compered the evening, which was attended by special guests the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, the Mayor of Test Valley and the Mayor of Winchester as well as representatives from the Rotary clubs of Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester.

Roll of Honour:

  • Chairman’s Award (joint winners) – Nick Maich, Orthopaedic and Surgical Site Lead, RHCH; Hazel Horsnell, Midwife, RHCH Runners-up – Rebecca Murphy, Specialist Dietitian, BNHH; Dean Wilson, Ward Clerk, E2, BNHH
  • Dan Putty Award for Dementia Care (joint winners) – Dr Megan Woodrow, Foundation Doctor, RHCH; Sasha Duncan, Healthcare Assistant, Victoria Ward, RHCH
  • Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane Award (Team) – Dr Priya Ilangovan and the G2 Team, BNHH
  • Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane Award (Individual) – Dr Jamie Fryer, Foundation Doctor, Emergency Department, BNHH
  • Rotary Club of Winchester Award (Team) – Emergency Department, RHCH Rotary Club of Winchester Award (Individual) – Dr Arun Venkataraju, Consultant Anaesthetist, RHCH
  • Rotary Club of Andover Award – Emily Young, Community Midwife, AWMH
  • Corporate Services Award – Julie Huggins, Laundry Co-ordinator, RHCH Family and Clinical Support Services Award – Dr Priya Ilangovan, Consultant Paediatrician, G2, BNHH
  • Medical Services Award – Emergency Department – both BNHH and RHCH
  • Surgical Services Award – Kemp Welch Ward