National award for hospital porter 

A porter from University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has been recognised for his services and dedication to the NHS.

Gordon To won in the ‘outstanding contribution to patient experience’ category at the My Porter Awards 2024.

The awards, in association with NHS England, are a national celebration of portering teams and individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, and there was a record-breaking number of nominations this year with other 300 entries.

Colleagues who put Gordon up for nomination described him as “quite simply an outstanding individual, and the best ambassador for portering imaginable.”

“Gordon’s approach is kind, caring, empathetic, proactive and effective. This is welcome and reassuring as Gordon undertakes routine patient transfers and other duties, but in much graver situations, two of which Gordon was an instrumental part of in the past year, he has literally been lifesaving.”

“We can’t praise Gordon’s commitment to his work, patients and colleagues highly enough, and there have been many times in which his quick-thinking and expertise has made all the difference in the face of highly stressful and pressurised situations.”

The ward staff that Gordon supports see him as an essential member of their team, always there to help them when they are under pressure or short staffed. We are so incredibly proud of him for this much-deserved award.”

Gordon said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. Before becoming a porter I was a healthcare assistant, and my partner suggested I give portering a go. I love my job and work in a team that is great and full of support. This award means a lot to me and I feel thankful to have been recognised in this way.”

Following the awards ceremony Gordon was interviewed by Kay Burley on Sky News.

Two other porters from UHD also received award nominations. Joe Diffey was shortlisted for newcomer of the year, and Vaughn McIvor was a finalist for the Dennis Southern lifetime achievement award.