OUTSTANDING work of hospital staff has been recognised by colleagues, patients and their families.

The latest round of monthly commendations to workers at the trust which runs Colchester General Hospital included those in the Emergency Department and Stroke Unit.

Winners and those who were highly commended were presented with their certificates by Barbara Buckley, Managing Director of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust (CHUFT).

Halstead Gazette: Caring - Jamie Morton, Nurse in resus, Emergency Department, pictured with Dr Barbara Buckley

Caring - Jamie Morton, Nurse in resus, Emergency Department, pictured with Dr Barbara Buckley

There was a total of 20 nominees of which nearly three quarters were put forward by patients and members of the public.

Those who made nominations were asked to sum up in 150 words why the person or team nominated deserve to be recognised.

Judges looked for those who have gone above and beyond in living the trust's values of caring, communicating and consistency.

Winners received a framed certificate and a thank you letter from Dr Buckley.

Sarah Sands, ward sister in the Acute Cardiac Unit, won the Individual category.

Halstead Gazette: Praise - Radiology nursing team

Praise - Radiology nursing team

She has arranged for volunteers to crochet or knit patchwork blankets for patients on the ward who are receiving end of life care.

These blankets help create a more comforting and less hospitalised environment.

The ward staff also spray the blankets with patients' perfume so when the patient dies they are given to the families as a special keepsake.

Her nomination read: "This initiative is simple yet really enhances end of life care for our patients at CHUFT, and will also be of great comfort to the families who live on."

Resus nurse Jamie Morton was Highly Commended in the Individual category.

His nominator wrote: "My son was knocked of his push bike in a hit and run and ended up in resus in September. Jamie gave Michael top care, explaining to him and ourselves, his family, everything what was going on.

"Not once was the care too much for Jamie. He went above and beyond.

"Even after his shift was over, Jamie dressed Michael's wounds and followed things up for us.

"He made sure when Michael was moved from resus to majors, that he was okay, came round to see us and finish the dressings.

"This nurse should have gone home an hour and half earlier but he stayed for Michael. Now in our eyes is an amazing and such a caring person. I could not fault anything at Colchester Hospital amazing care. Thank you."

The Stroke Unit was winner in the Team category with staff praised by the daughter of a patient who described their "outstanding" care and empathy.

The Radiology nursing team was Highly Commended in the Team category who were applauded for ensuring patients' health didn't suffer despite the team being without a leader.