EAST Lancashire Hospitals paid tribute to some of its most dedicated staff with an award ceremony last night.

Nominations were made by all the trust’s staff for its STAR (Staff Thank you And Recognition) ceremony.

Finalists in each of the 10 categories were chosen by members of the staff LINK forum, which represents staff interests and suggests ideas to senior managers.

Hazel Harding, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust chairman, said: “So many of our staff do an absolutely wonderful job every day, and it is important to recognise those who have made a really outstanding contribution to caring for patients.

“It is always very humbling to attend events such as this and this evening was no exception.”

The hospital's Critical Care Outreach Team won the Improving Patient Safety award for introducing a new 'early warning' scoring system.

The team, which helps all clinical staff manage patients who are severely ill, is available at any time to support ward staff and in most cases can help manage a patient on the ward, rather than transferring them into the hospital's Critical Care Unit.

The system allows staff to identify deteriorations in a patient’s condition at the earliest stage and take action, with further support from the outreach team where necessary.

Occupational therapist Judith Wood won the Effectiveness of Care award.

She developed the trust's hand therapy unit as a new part of its Orthopaedic Department’s upper limb service.

Cardiac Catheter Lab Staff received the Improving Patient Experience award after reducing deaths from heart attacks by 50 per cent.

Louise Davies, head of Occupational Therapy, won a Leadership award for demonstrating her commitment to strong management and leadership and “taking an impartial, non-judgemental and supportive view in all staff issues”.

Her improvements in clinical governance and health and safety have been adopted in other departments.

Porter Craig Walsh was named the trust's Unsung Hero.

Craig suffers from Parkinson’s disease, but a hospital spokesman said he still comes into work in a positive mood, always cheery and does whatever is asked of him without complaint.

Joan Clarke received the Volunteer award.

Joan, 80, has been a volunteer at Burnley General Hospital since 1996, following her retirement as a physiotherapist.

The hospital's Infant Feeding Team was recognised in the Integrated Team Working category.

It promotes breastfeeding in hospitals and the community, providing training for staff, and its efforts have helped breastfeeding rates increase year on year.

Karen Holt was named the trust's Rising Star.

She qualified as a registered nurse only two years ago, and works in Reedyford Ward at Pendle Community Hospital as a hand-hygiene champion and infection control link.

Sheena Byrom took the Lifetime Achievement award after retiring in December after 35 years as a midwife.

The Oral / Maxillofacial Surgery Unit was named Ward / Department of the Year after working hard to achieve targets and improve patient experience.