HOSPITAL heroes who have gone the ‘extra mile’ to help patients at Poole Hospital have been recognised in an annual awards ceremony.

Dozens of nominations were received to celebrate the dedication of NHS staff in a wide range of roles including doctors, nurses, support workers and receptionists.

There were also awards for fundraisers and volunteers from the community at the glitzy ceremony held at the Haven Hotel in Sandbanks with special guests AFC Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn and his wife Rose.

He said: “Everybody in this room is a winner whether you're staff, volunteer, a fundraiser or a partner, it takes a whole group of people to ensure you enjoy success.

"I am absolutely in awe of everybody in this room and it's a humbling experience for me to be standing in front of you. Please never stop what you are doing, giving love, care and attention to every single person in our entire conurbation."

Saskie Dormon, the hospital’s lead consultant in palliative care and who ‘has been known to sit quietly with distressed patients who present with challenging symptoms to offer them emotional support’, was awarded 'employee of the year' for ‘consistently striving to improve standards and enhance patient care.’

The hospital’s play specialists who minimise the fear for children coming into hospital won 'excellence in patient care.'

The outpatients helpdesk were the winners of the 'living our values' award, this year’s new category which recognises those that uphold the hospital’s values – the Poole Approach.

Carl and Tanya Appleby, who raised £35,000 to improve the Durlston Ward for teenagers in honour of their son Vincent who died aged 18 from leukaemia, took the fundraiser of the year award.

Other winners were occupational therapist Ruth Martin for ‘excellence in patient care’, dementia nurse specialist Lynsey Moore for ‘innovation and improvement’, Linda Huxter, executive services support and volunteer for ‘going the extra mile’, Sarah Tinnion for ‘volunteer of the year’, the coronary care unit for the ‘friends and family test’, and security lead Dave Bennett for the ‘chairman’s award.’

Meggitt also awarded a bursary to the neonatal care team and the flu fighter team received recognition for being the most improved trust.

The awards were presented by hospital governors, board members and the event’s corporate sponsor Meggitt, with Robert Talbot, medical director compering.

Angela Schofield, Poole Hospital chairman, who is stepping down and received a special award for her seven years at the Trust, said: “'It was a brilliant evening, providing a welcome opportunity to recognise those who go the extra mile and deliver a service above and beyond expectations. The awards truly are a great way to say thank you to everyone who helps make Poole Hospital successful.”