Babington Hospital Assistant Wins ‘Behind The Scenes Hero’ Award

On Friday, October 21st, Belper resident Dorothy Poyser was named Behind the Scenes Hero 2016 in the Extra Mile Awards of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.

Therapy assistant Dorothy – known as Dot to many – has worked on Baron Ward at Babington Hospital, Belper, for 12 years.

She was nominated by colleagues for her dedication to patients.

She was recognised as a “fantastic organiser” who puts in a lot of work behind the scenes and in her own time to run events and activities on the ward to support elderly patients with their rehabilitation in a fun way. She has recently started “Dot’s café” on the ward too.

Dot’s commitment to her role was praised by the judges who felt she deserved the title Behind the Scenes Hero 2016 out of the 4,500 staff working for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.

Colleague Elizabeth Maddula who nominated Dot said: “From making costumes and buying afternoon tea displays Dot is always looking to find new things that can stimulate our patients. Dot liaises with carers and families in a friendly informal way to involve them in these events. She actively looks for things to do and how physiotherapy and occupational therapy can be integrated and made fun for the patient.”

The Extra Mile Awards, now in their fourth year, are open to the 4,500 staff of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust. There were over 260 nominations and 49 finalists for the 2016 awards. These are individuals and teams who have been nominated by others for their dedication and caring.

The award was presented to Dot during an awards ceremony at Derby’s Roundhouse by (left) Nigel Smith, a non-executive director of Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust and (right) trust chairman Prem Singh.

On receiving the award, Dot said: “I’m thrilled to get this award. I like being able to work in my local hospital, caring for local people and keeping it in the local community. You want to treat people like you’d want your own mother to be treated.”

Trust Chairman Prem Singh said: “These awards are one of the most important events in our calendar, where we publicly demonstrate the value and importance of recognising all the fantastic work that goes on each day for patients. It is a chance for us to honour, thank and celebrate our amazing staff.”