Karen Howell, Chief Executive of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust, writes for the Globe and reflects on a wonderful night celebrating the work of the trust and its dedicated teams of hard-working staff...

WOW – what a night!

It’s not often I find myself lost for words, but it is hard to describe how just how humbled and inspired I was on Friday night at our annual staff awards.

Nearly 300 people gathered at Thornton Hall Hotel, to celebrate the outstanding care, treatment and support that our amazing staff deliver 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We were delighted to be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, the High Sheriff of Merseyside Mr Peter Woods and the Mayor of Wirral Councillor Geoffrey Watt and Mayoress Mrs Anne Watt. BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent was our compere for the night. Watching the video clips of staff talking about the colleagues and teams they had nominated for recognition brought a tear to my eye at times.

From teams that provide specialist care to vulnerable breastfed babies and their families to staff who have campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and understanding of sepsis.

A health and safety manager who has been on a personal mission to ensure we are going above and beyond to be environmentally friendly, to one of our Information Technology volunteers whose research and ideas have helped transform our Information Technology support desk and save thousands of pounds. Inspirational leaders who have ignited passion and dedication across services.

And our “People’s Heart Award” winners, West Kirby Community Nursing Team, who were described by a patient as “true angels.”

It was wonderful that the lady who nominated them was able to join us on Friday, so we could hear first-hand about why she was sorry to say goodbye when she was finally discharged!

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for our coveted “People’s Heart” award and to our members and governors who took part in the judging day.

Friday really was a wonderful evening, and a reminder of why all of us who work in the NHS do what we do, and the positive difference we make to so many people’s lives.

Every year at our staff awards we begin with our Long Service Awards, recognising staff that have reached 25 years’ service with the NHS.

Twenty-two colleagues reached that impressive milestone this year.

And this year for the first time we also had very, very long service awards, with 24 staff reaching an amazing 40 years or more (myself included!) Between us we have clocked up incredible one thousand and nineteen years to the National Health Service!

Our staff awards night would not have been possible without the kind generosity of our sponsors including Elerbanks Limited, Yellowfin, Hill Dickinson, SCC, The Innovation Agency and the Wirral Globe. Special thanks also to Assista Consulting, and LT Print, and to everyone who made it such a memorable night.

For more pictures from the evening click here