NHS stars have ball at bash

Celebrating the most outstanding hospital workers, raising money for charity and having fun were doctor's orders at a special Halloween-themed ball in the Black Country.

Banks's Stadium was transformed for the party thrown by Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice last night.

Guests included the shortlist of winners and runners-up of the trust's Golden Heart Awards 2007, which was sponsored by the Express & Star.

Dressed in tuxedos and formal dresses, everyone enjoyed a four-course turkey dinner, during which they were serenaded by a Frank Sinatra tribute act.

Trust chief executive Sue James and chairman Ben Reid were among the guests, as were Wolverhampton X-Factor boy band 4Sure.

There were seven categories, ranging from best acute doctor to best volunteer worker.

Nominations have been made throughout the year by visitors, patients and colleagues at Walsall's Manor Hospital and a shortlist of the cream of the crop was drawn up by trust bosses.

Express & Star readers then voted for the overall winner in each category.

Chandrika Balachandar, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in the women and children's department, was the first to be called to the stage.

She won the title of best acute doctor and said: "This is a great honour, thank you very much to everyone who voted for me.

"This award is not just for me, it's for the whole team. I'd like to thank my husband and wonderful family who have coped with my perpetual absence."

Charlie Bradbury from Wednesfield, senior sister on Lincoln ward, won best trust manager. She said: "Thank you to my team. I wouldn't be stood here if I didn't have such a brilliant team behind me."

Best support worker was named as Susan Sheahan, of outpatients department. She said: "We all work hard in outpatients and all deserve this."

Certificates and bouquets of flowers were presented to the winners by trust chairman Mr Reid. An auction and a disco followed the awards presentation.

The roll of honour

Best Acute Doctor

Mrs Chandrika Balachandar, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Women and Childrens. Nominated by a patient for the support and kindness showed to her. Despite being one of the many patients in a busy clinic, the patient felt that she made every effort to put her mind at rest and treat her as an individual.

Best Acute Nurse

Shanna Fletcher, Staff Nurse, Lincoln Ward. Nominated by a patient for the patient and caring way she helped her to cope with her recent bereavement. She said Shanna was "a very special nurse".

Best Trust Manager

Charlie Bradbury, Senior Sister, Lincoln Ward. Nominated by her whole team for the caring, kind and compassionate approach she has to them all. They say that coming to work is a pleasure.

Best Therapist

Sheena Harvey, Physiotherapist, Therapy Department. Nominated by a patient for the tremendous help and support she gave him during his rehabilitation. She was told: " Your kindness, understanding, professionalism and good humour have helped him achieve a full recovery."

Best Support Worker

Susan Sheahan, HCA Level 3, Outpatients Department. Nominated for the kindness and care showed to an elderly couple when the wife had to be admitted to hospital. "You stayed for over two hours past the end of your shift to ensure that the needs of both the wife and her husband were met," she was told.

Best Non-Clinical Worker

Pat James, Health Records, was nominated for her quick thinking and compassion when she spotted a patient who appeared to be rather confused.

She sought medical attention for him and he required treatment in A&E, after which he was able to go home.

Best Volunteer Worker

Frank Hayward and Nessie Hayward, Volunteer Workers, West Wing, DGH Shop. Nominated for their dedication and commitment to helping out in the west wing shop and cafeteria on every Christmas day "for as far back as we can all remember".