Tan Parsons THE hard work and dedication of NHS staff in Camden has been recognised at an awards ceremony. NHS Camden, formerly known as Camden Primary Care Trust, celebrated the work of people including GPs, volunteers, nurses and community mobility work

Tan Parsons

THE hard work and dedication of NHS staff in Camden has been recognised at an awards ceremony.

NHS Camden, formerly known as Camden Primary Care Trust, celebrated the work of people including GPs, volunteers, nurses and community mobility workers among others at its seventh annual awards ceremony last Friday.

Chairman John Carrier said: "It's important that we recognise the achievements of all staff in NHS Camden who deliver and support services for patients.

"These dedicated staff members are the driving force behind the delivery of our services. All are committed to making these services more accessible and responsive to the needs of the Camden community."

Among the winners was Primary Care project officer Gabriella Lake, recognised for her achievements in the 'going the extra mile' category, which recognises staff who consistently make the effort to go above and beyond the call of duty in their role.

Ms Lake has been working tirelessly to improve the access hours of Camden's GP practices and achieved the Extended Hours project target five months early, in November 2008. As a result of her efforts, uptake of the extended hours programme is up 68 per cent - and rising.

Staff running the Camden and Islington Wheelchair Service were awarded for their valuable contribution to patient care in providing wheelchair support services to residents with long-term mobility problems.

Led by Jenny Symondson, the team was recognised for improving patients' quality of life, with a caring approach to organising timely repairs, modifications and deliveries.

Communications officer Rachel Black was awarded for outstanding contribution to the work environment and helping to improve the working lives of others.

The outstanding management and leadership award was jointly awarded to Joyce Sweeney and Stewart Moysey, while the long service award went to immunisation project officer Carol Howard and deputy office manager Ruth Gan, who have both served 18 years for the organisation.

Elsewhere, health adviser Mark Longman was awarded for responding to patients and carers at the Bloomsbury Clinic, while other awards were given to senior receptionist Liz Nelson-Smith, clinical risk manager Jason Lane and Crowndale Health Centre district nurse Pat Beckles for their outstanding contributions.

The awards were presented by Mr Carrier and chief executive Rob Larkman.