The mortuary team at East Surrey Hospital, run by Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) have won the National Unsung Hero Award for Team of the Year – Ancillary Staff at a ceremony held on Friday 1 March 2019 at The Hilton, Deansgate, Manchester.
The team led by Simon Rolfe, mortuary and bereavement services manager were nominated by Tracy Skinner, bereavement midwife at the hospital for their second to none, pride, care and compassion. The awards, which recognise non-medical NHS staff and volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty, was an opportunity to shine a light on the hard work carried out by non-medical teams and individuals on a daily basis across the NHS.
Simon said: “We are so pleased to be recognised for our commitment to care, the team all do a fantastic job under the radar. We believe the care of all our patients continue until they leave the mortuary, with everyone treated with the same dignity and respect. I am proud to work with such a dedicated team and it was lovely to be awarded with such a prestigious award.”
Tracy said: “Simon is dedicated to his work, staff and his trainees and most importantly his patients. He has set very high standards within his mortuary and his staff work to the same end. Well done to the team on winning this award – well deserved.”
Also nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award at this year’s ceremony was, Maria Hains, volunteer for her amazing work over 35 years at Crawley Hospital and dedication to voluntary services.
The evening was full of entertainment, complete with a champagne reception and three-course dinner, a keynote speaker, a raffle and celebratory disco.
