Meet the 'exceptional' Sunderland hospital team in the running for an award for their dedication

The endoscopy unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital has been nominated for a Best of Health Award for the way its staff helped a Sunderland man.

Their care, attitude and hard work was described by the family of the man as ‘fantastic’.

The nomination added: “Late last year, my husband underwent a colonoscopy after the results of the home bowel screening kit showed up abnormalities. As you can imagine this is very scary and you always think the worst.

“Nervous and apprehensive my husband attended The Unit at Sunderland and from the word go all staff made him feel at ease. This is not a very nice procedure but thankfully everything went well and what had to be done was done there and then which was another plus.

“We were rang in the next few days to say everything was clear so all in all this matter was dealt with very quickly. From an outsider’s point of view, the whole unit seemed to run like clockwork at no cost to the patients feelings and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff on this unit for their care and efficiency.”

Jayne Billings, acting matron - Theatre Directorate at the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The staff are thrilled to receive this feedback and acknowledegment of the outstanding care they provide, not only to patients but to carers and family members.

“The team in Endoscopy work hard each day to ensure all patients received quality person centre care during what can be a stressful time for patients, carers and their families , I am very proud of them all.”

The unit is one of many great causes to have already been nominated in the first few days of this year’s Best of Health Awards. There is plenty of time to put your own health heroes in the running for honours.

This year’s awards have the support of the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust who are headline sponsors. The category sponsors are East Coast Fitness, Wonderful Wig Company and NHS Sunderland CCG. We thank them all.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 6 and the judges will meet on Wednesday, April 8, to decide on the shortlist.

The grand finale is at the Roker Hotel on Thursday, April 30, when we will announce this year’s winners.

To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable. Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Also send the name of the person you wish to nominate, as well as their address, telephone number and email (if known).

Send all the details to Lynn Wild by no later than Monday, April 6.

Email those entries to [email protected] or send them to Lynn Wild, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Wearfield Enterprise Park East, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 2TA.

THE CATEGORIES

GP/ GP Practice of the Year.

Dentist/ Dental Practice of the Year.

Pharmacist/ Pharmacy of the Year.

Hospital Doctor of the Year.

Nurse of the Year.

Optometrist of the Year.

Therapist of the Year.

Midwife of the Year.

Care Worker of the Year.

Unsung Hero/ Customer Service of the year.

Healthier Lifestyle.