A SOCIAL worker’s care for a woman in the hours after her husband died has been recognised with an award.

Gill Windsor was named the winner in the individual category of the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust’s At Our Best Awards.

The quarterly awards are run to recognise employees who make outstanding contributions.

Gill’s nomination read: “Gill provided support and comfort to a bereaved relative.

“The wife of a patient who had died on Peldon Ward had no relatives or close friends to be with and she was obviously distressed with what had happened.

“Gill sat with her, offered reassurance and comfort, something to eat and drink and listened while she talked about her husband.

“As she had to travel back to an empty house in Clacton, Gill took her home herself and made sure she was safe at home and that she would contact her relatives the following day.”

Gill said: “This is an honour and accepted on behalf of all social workers that do indeed go beyond what is normally expected of such a challenging role.”

The awards attracted 86 entries from members of the public and staff.

The winners received vouchers and a framed certificate, a glass trophy and a letter from the chief executive.

The trust’s next awards will be held in September.

To nominate someone, visit surveymonkey.com/s/At_Our_Best_Awards

 

VOLUNTEERS were also recognised in the awards, and Maurice Newbolt was named the winner.

Maurice has been the Urology Cancer Support Group’s secretary for more than ten years.

His nomination read: “It wouldn’t be so successful without him, sending monthly newsletters to all members, liaising with speakers, and discussing our audits and achievements with the senior management teams including chief executives.

"He has supported our trust through hard times supporting us through all forms of media including TV appearances.

“Maurice is a lovely genuine, caring and honest gentleman and we are so very very grateful for all his support for the Urology Cancer Support Group including us as Cancer nurse specialists.”

Bill Gardner, who arranges for patients to be bought to the retinal suite was the runner up.