For the first time in three years NHS staff from local hospitals and community teams gathered to publicly recognise colleagues who have gone over and above in their work.

Over 300 staff and guests from across York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust attended the ‘Celebration of Achievement Awards’ at a glittering ceremony at York Racecourse - the first time since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The event is fully funded by sponsorship and showcases the excellent work taking place throughout the organisation. Individuals and teams are nominated by their own colleagues, and by patients who have been on the receiving end of great care.

Picking up top awards for going above and beyond were healthcare staff from hospitals and community teams as well as scientists, volunteers, recruitment and charity supporters.

Two new categories were introduced this year to recognise the incredible challenges the NHS has faced throughout the pandemic and the lengths everyone went to for patients, colleagues, the Trust and communities. The Team of the Year award went to the Covid wards for their strength and resilience and ‘can do’ approach to overcoming barriers.

A special Chief Executive’s award was presented to the York and Scarborough Covid vaccination hubs. Volunteers, retired staff, and those who were redeployed, worked with the many people who took on this task additional to their normal job, working in uncharted territory to carry out mass vaccination on an unprecedented scale.

Simon Morritt, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “Since our last Celebration of Achievement ceremony the world was turned upside down with the arrival of a global pandemic.

“This year it has been even more important to recognise the contributions of our staff, in fact every single one of them is worthy of a Celebration of Achievement award for all they have faced over the past two and half years.

“These awards have become a valuable and highly regarded way of honouring colleagues who have excelled in their achievements and service for the Trust, and to patients and families.

“Every year we face increasing challenges and the pressures we face have never been greater. However, tonight we focus on the positives and we have heard some truly inspiring stories of great care, courage, dedication, collaboration, innovation and sheer hard work.”

28 September 2022