Debbie Parker, HCA NVQ III, named the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability's Unsung Hospital Hero.

The competition was launched in August to recognise those staff and volunteers who go beyond the call of duty to make the hospital a better place for patients, staff and visitors.

Debbie (centre) recieves award from ) David Monkman, Chief Nurse and Caty Atrill, Wolfson Ward Sister.

Debbie, who currently works on Wolfson Ward with Huntington's disease patients, has worked at the Royal Hospital for over 14 years. She is well known to patients, relatives and staff for her energy, great sense of humour and the genuine care she shows to patients.

On winning the award, Debbie said, "I'm really surprised and happy. I've worked here for many years and this is the first time I've won anything! It's nice to be recognised for hard work and it's good to have recognition for those who haven't necessarily been trained."

Speaking about her work, Debbie said, "It's really rewarding to be able to give patients on Wolfson a lot of TLC and to see smiles on their faces. I've nursed a lot of people here for a long time, so it's almost like a family in some ways."

Chief Nurse, David Monkman presented her prize, a weekend for two at a Jarvis Hotel, saying, "Debbie certainly deserves to be recognised for all her hard work. She is an excellent example of the large number of our staff and volunteers who fall into the category of 'Unsung Hospital
Heroes'."

Debbie is certainly a admirable winner and an asset to the hospital, as testified to by those colleagues who nominated her. One said, "Debbie is a dedicated, compassionate and hardworking person, who, for years has given her best in caring for and improving the quality of life of our
Huntington's disease patients".

Another nomination praised her energy and enthusiasm saying, "On many occasions Debbie stayed on voluntarily after her shift finished to comfort patients going through a hard time ... she is always helpful, always willing to teach new HCAs and is always thinking ahead, putting
the residents' interests first."

The prize was kindly donated by a participant in the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability's Annual Charity Golf Day earlier this year. The anonymous donor won the voucher for a weekend of luxury at the event, but returned it to the hospital asking that a member of staff receive it
in recognition of hard work.

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability has also presented certificates to all the staff and volunteers nominated, thanking them for their hard work and dedication.

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is a national medical charity, not part of the NHS. It provides both rehabilitation and long term care for people with severe and complex neurological conditions, and severe physical disabilities resulting from brain injury, strokes, Huntington's
disease, multiple sclerosis and many other complex disabilities.

September 19, 2003

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