TWELVE health worker heroes were recognised for their incredible efforts in a terrible year when they were crowned winners at the Swindon & Wiltshire Health and Social Care Awards.

Hundreds tuned into the online ceremony which was live streamed on Facebook this evening.

The awards, that champion teams and individuals that have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the Covid pandemic, were presented by Dr Hilary Jones MBE.

After the ceremony he said: “It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be able to host the awards.

“This year perhaps more than any other it is time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding and magnificent work of all health and social care workers during the pandemic.

“I am in awe of all they have achieved and the country owes them a massive debt of gratitude.”

Our 12 winners, picked from 36 finalists, were chosen by a panel of judges and included those who risked their lives on the frontline in hospitals as well as heroes in the community.

Nick Hewens was not only crowned Volunteer of the Year for his work with Prospect over the past four years but received the judges’ overall Outstanding Achievement Award as well.

He was nominated by Su Starkey, who said: “He has always carried out his activities with constant good humour, but he really stepped up in response to the Covid crisis. Early in the Covid pandemic it was difficult to obtain PPE.

“Thanks to Hospice UK, the sector’s umbrella organisation, supplies became more plentiful but there still remained the problem of actually distributing them to the hospices who needed them.

“Our nearest distribution point was Martlett’s Hospice in Hove, a 265-mile round trip from Wroughton. Nick offered to make the trip as many times as we needed him to, racking up almost 3,500 miles.”

The Unsung Hero Award went to Carmel and Dave of Shared Lives, who share their home with vulnerable adult, and give them a safe, warm family environment to live in. Carmel said: “We love welcoming people into our home and being a part of their lives, and these awards help celebrate what Shared Lives is all about.”

Dr Anthony Kerry, of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation, won the Care Hero Award and Emily Webb, of Voyage Care, was named Care Home Worker of the Year.

Christina Guy, of Bluebird Care, took home the Domiciliary Care Award, while parish councillor and community campaigner Curtis Flux won the Mental Health Award for his dedication to delivering shopping and prescriptions to the elderly and vulnerable, as well as raising thousands of pounds for local homeless charities.

Lily O’Brien, of Alzheimer’s Support, won the Dementia Carer Award. She was nominated by Monique Bentley, who said: “Through her practice she promotes independence, dignity, and choice - setting an example to others.

“Through her work she shows the local community that a person with dementia is a person who like everyone else is to be valued.”

Abbey Meads and Moredon  were named GP Practice of the Year and the Good Nurse Award went to Lisa Hocking at the GWH, while Dr Sarah Bates, of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, took home the Adolescent and Child Care Award.

The Intensive Care Unit at the GWH was named Health Care Team of the Year while the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was declared the Health Care Employer of the Year.

Editor Pete Gavan said: “It’s fantastic to shine a light on the work our winners and finalists have done this past year.

“Thank you from everyone at the Swindon Advertiser, Gazette & Herald and Wiltshire Times.”

The awards were kindly sponsored by: First City Nursing, icarecareers.co.uk, Platinum Motor Group, New College, Wiltshire Farm Foods, Practice Plus Group, Chris Richards & Son, Pebley Beach, MJ Church, Carpets-4-Less, Retain Healthcare, Wasdell Group

Don’t miss our winners’ supplement out on Thursday next week.