STAFF from Basingstoke hospital have showcased their other talents along with other hospital professionals.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) hosted its first HHFT’s Got Talent with 15 acts from across Basingstoke hospital, Andover War Memorial hospital and Royal Hampshire County hospital in Winchester, battled their nerves to perform at Theatre Royal Winchester to impress a live audience and judging panel.

Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of HHFT was joined on the panel by Alex Whitfield, chief executive of the Trust, Les Haswell, president of Winchester Rotary and Anna O’Brian, chairman of Winchester Radio. They had the hard task of picking their winner alongside the fifth judge, the live audience, who also had their chance to vote for their favourite performance.

Terry Watkins, lead sonographer at the Trust not only won the judges’ vote but also captured the hearts of the audience, winning 48 per cent of the vote with his rendition of the song ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’.

“It was such an amazing experience to be a part of – from the rehearsals to the live show there was a real comradery between all of the staff involved both on and off the stage,” said Terry.

“My team encouraged me to audition after hearing me sing at a Christmas party a couple of years ago but I haven’t sung in front of a big audience for about 15 years, when I took part in a competition.

“I have never won anything before so it was a big surprise on the night and a bit overwhelming, especially because the standard was so high and all of the acts were brilliant. I was honoured to have received the judges’ vote but winning the audience vote really meant the most to me because the audience was made up of my colleagues and peers.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, added: “We have an impressive team here and it was absolutely amazing to see they are as talented outside of work as they are within our hospitals caring for patients. It was a fantastic evening which really showcased the diversity of our staff and picking just one winner was difficult.”