THE Welsh Ambulance Service has honoured staff and volunteers at its sixth annual awards ceremony.
More than a dozen awards were presented to colleagues across Wales at tonight’s virtual event.
Among them were accolades for Team of the Year and Inspiring Others, as well as a pair of special awards to mark the launch of the Trust’s first Volunteers’ Strategy.
Tributes were paid to lost colleagues, including Emergency Medical Technician Dorian Williams, of Swansea, who died in June, just six weeks after a stomach cancer diagnosis.
The 44-year-old newlywed was also the recipient of the posthumous People’s Choice Award.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “Awards are a brilliant way to recognise the sterling efforts of staff and volunteers who demonstrate overwhelming commitment and do a great job for the people of Wales, every day.
“Once again, the Covid-19 pandemic meant we couldn’t host the ceremony in the usual way, but it has given us the opportunity to pause and reflect on our achievements in a different way.
“It’s more important than ever to take stock of the last 12 months and say a big thank you to our people, without whom Wales’ national ambulance service simply would not exist.”
Chair Martin Woodford added: “Often, our people don’t realise that what they do is special; they see it as part of their daily job, so the staff awards are an excellent way to shine a light on their work and recognise that effort.
“We heard some incredible stories as part of the ceremony, and I’d like to extend a huge heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners.”
And the winners are –
Emergency Medical Service Award
North: Jenny Lewis and the East Duty Operations Managers – for delivering outstanding patient care and supporting frontline colleagues
Central and West: Hayley Bennett – for saving a choking colleague
South East: Cath and Kevin O’Connor – for their charity work and having compassion for patients and colleagues alike
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service Award
North: Bethan Roberts – for her commitment to the role and her efforts to improve culture
Central and West: David Arch – for going above and beyond for patients
South East: Kelly Baker – for being a good team leader and ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority
Clinical Contact Centre Award
North: Laura Williams – for being a good role model to NHS 111 Wales colleagues
Central and West: Laura Reed – for taking ownership of every decision and for going the extra mile with staff training
South East: John Attfield – for his professional handling of a 999 call involving a member of staff
Support Services Award
North: Carl Melville and Sam Roberts – for going above and beyond to support frontline staff through the Covid-19 pandemic
Central and West: Jenny McGinn – for working tirelessly to support the alternative responder team
South East: Jamie Roberts – for his patience and responsiveness when dealing with ICT queries
Volunteer – Community First Responder
North: Jonathan Lawton – for his commitment and professionalism as a CFR
Central and West: Wendy Lewis – for being an inspiration to the CFR family
South East: Mike Hope and Lucy Rowlands – for their enthusiasm and for providing excellent patient care through the Covid-19 pandemic
Volunteer – Volunteer Car Driver
North: Howard Dickson – for his dedication to the role over three decades of service
Central and West: Amanda Williams – for her quick-thinking actions to deliver first aid to a member of the public
South East: Ernest ‘Tony’ Anthony Dale – for his professionalism and compassion over 20 years’ service
People’s Choice Award
Dorian Williams (posthumous) – for his passion for helping people, both as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Trust and as a training officer for St John Cymru Wales
Public Recognition
Pamela Gannon – for supporting health and social services through the Covid-19 pandemic by hand making Personal Protective Equipment
Great Listener Award
North: Carol Archer – for being the epitome of a kind and caring person
Central and West: Garin Lloyd – for using his initiative as a call handler to help a patient in difficulty and for securing a position in university to train as a paramedic
South East: Dylan Parry – for supporting colleagues as the Trust’s Violence and Aggression Project Officer
Learning and Innovation Award
Jo Kelso – for drawing on her skills, knowledge and expertise to deliver key organisational priorities for the Trust
Inspiring Others Award
North: Karen Neville – for her ‘get up and go’ and fantastic leadership, especially though the Covid-19 pandemic
Central and West: Catrin Convery – for being an inspirational leader and supporting staff through the death of a colleague
South East: Nicola De-Gare Pitt – for her positivity and inspiring others to be their best
Team of the Year Award
111 Wales Team – for being front and centre of the Trust’s Covid-19 effort and for working tirelessly to maintain the service in the face of increased demand
Welsh Language Award
Dylan Vining – for his skill and proficiency as a Welsh-speaking call handler
Chair’s Award
Ernest ‘Tony’ Anthony Dale – for his professionalism and compassion over 20 years’ service
Chief Executive’s Award
Mark Tonkin – for going above and beyond to help others inside and outside of work, including organising donations for people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic
Gail Williams Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence
Stephen Donovan and Wayne Davies – for providing exemplary clinical care at the roadside to a patient in labour
Editors Notes
For more information, please call Head of Communications Lois Hough on 01745 778671 or email Lois.Hough@wales.nhs.uk