Healthcare Assistant Caroline Price was named the first ever overall winner of the Guttmann Care Awards, awarded to staff at the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC) based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Established by the Poppa Guttmann Trust the awards recognise the quality of care and dedication to patients with spinal cord injuries.

Patients on each ward vote for their choice of staff member every month, the recipient with the most awards over the year goes on to become the overall winner.

Caroline, from Hemel Hempstead, has been working at the NSIC for four years and as a Healthcare Assistant and plays a vital role in ensuring that patients’ needs are met and their hospital stay is as comfortable as possible.

Caroline said: ‘I am absolutely delighted and especially honoured because the award is chosen by patients themselves. Nobody wants to be in hospital and if I can somehow make a positive difference to that experience, then I feel rewarded. But ultimately, it is a team effort and I am privileged to work with the most amazingly skilled and dedicated colleagues.‘

Mike Mackenzie, Chairman of the Poppa Guttmann Trust said: ‘The Awards have been very successful in showing the appreciation of patients for the care they receive from all staff on the wards, and in raising morale, pride and the spirit of the National Spinal Injuries Centre.‘

Claire Guy, Operations Manager for NSIC said: ‘The Awards promote quality improvement in the care of spinally injured adults and children. It is a great way of celebrating those staff who continue to act in the spirit of Sir Ludwig Guttmann and play their part in making consistent improvements by all who work in healthcare.‘