OUTSTANDING health heroes who go the extra mile to help patients have been honoured at a special ‘Oscars’ style ceremony.

The Dorset HealthCare 2017 Heroes Awards celebrated the efforts of workers in services across the county.

Held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the event showcased the hard work of staff who provide a range of community and inpatient physical and mental health services.

Nationally renowned clinical psychologist and broadcaster Professor Tanya Byron gave a keynote before presenting the award.

Winners include Xena Dion, a health visitor in Poole who has worked tirelessly to build good relationships with the traveller community ensuring they receive the care they need without prejudice and healthcare support worker Yasmin Kehru at Guernsey Ward, Alderney Hospital in Poole for who ‘nothing is too much bother’ and always notices how patients look and makes sure their hair, make-up and clothes are how they want to be.

Pain service peer advisors John Hurley, Mike Forte, Barbie Hooper, Carol Calf and Lyna Lane, based in Poole, scooped the volunteering award for giving up their time to help others despite their own health problems.

Nicki Jenks, exercise instructor, who runs a weekly physical health clinic for people using mental health services in Bournemouth, won the outstanding contribution award and Greg Coomer, head chef at Pebble Lodge, Bournemouth won an award for his popular weekly cooking sessions for young patients during school holidays to inspire an interest in healthy eating.

Other winners include Anne-Marie Seraphin, senior sister at Alderney Hospital, the Pebble Lodge team in Bournemouth for its inpatient care for young people with mental health issues, the Management Accounts Assistants team based in Poole and Stuart Bareham, practice educator based in Poole who ensures quality care for patients through training.

Andy Willis, Chair of Dorset HealthCare, said: “I was humbled and inspired by these stories, which illustrate how far our staff will go to help and support the people of Dorset.

“The people who work for Dorset HealthCare are without doubt our greatest asset, and we are delighted to be able to recognise some truly outstanding work.”

The day also featured a special ‘thank-you’ lunch for some of the many carers and volunteers around Dorset who provide tireless support for the Trust.