University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) staff celebrated at Dorset Hero Awards

The UHD theatres team and Poole Hospital volunteer Andy Byers came away triumphant from this year’s Dorset Hero for their work during the pandemic. The ceremony, which took place virtually on 9 June, recognised heroes from across Dorset for their achievements and actions in the last 12 months.

The UHD theatres team, which includes staff at both the Royal Bournemouth and Poole Hospital sites, took home the healthcare team award. Will Blackman, matron for theatres, said: “The team worked tirelessly through the pandemic supporting our intensive care unit (ICU) for over a year. “With no ICU experience they soldiered on providing excellent patient care while still continuing emergency surgery cover, ensuring patients received life saving treatment. They relocated and adapted across our sites, supporting all the wards in their greatest time of need. They truly deserve this recognition and I am very proud of them all.”

Andy Byers, Poole Hospital volunteer, won the 999 award for his work voluntarily supporting the emergency services. Andy averaged 15,000 steps per shift in 2020 as he cleaned high touch points at Poole Hospital, directed patients and looked after the North Entrance. Andy explained: “I retired at the start of 2020, but when the pandemic hit I knew I wanted to help. I was in the military so could predict how distressing and exhausting it would be for the NHS staff. “I’ve been volunteering both at Poole Hospital and at the BIC vaccine centre, and when the Captain Tom 100 challenge was announced I decided I wanted to complete 100 voluntary shifts in his honour, and I’m about halfway there. I don’t think of myself as a hero, I’m just a firm believer that you should give back what you take, and I have had help with my own health from the team at UHD plenty of times.”

Individuals and teams from across UHD were shortlisted for the awards, including teams from the intensive care unit and Forest Holme hospice; intensive care consultant Michelle Scott; healthcare support worker Rafael Granada-Rafales; matron Minnie Klepacz; and governor Michele Whitehurst.