Play Specialist Lynwen Morris has been named as the latest Health Hero Award winner at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.

Lynwen is part of the team on Alice Ward, the Oswestry-based hospital’s dedicated children’s ward, and was nominated by Jess Meredith, Alice Ward Clerk.

Jess said: “Lynwen constantly goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding patient care.

“She ensures patients are at ease during their pre-operative assessment, on their way up to surgery, in the anaesthetic room and once they have returned to the ward after their operation.

“She puts so much hard work into finding activities and distraction methods to help the little ones occupied.

“Not only does she help the children, she reassures and looks after their parents too. Having an operation can be a worrying time for the children and their parents but thanks to Lynwen’s hard work, their anxieties can be relieved.

“Nothing is too much to ask and she is such a valued member of our team on Alice Ward.”

The award was announced today at the monthly meeting of the Board of Directors and was presented to Lynwen by chief executive Mark Brandreth.

Lynwen said: “I am very honoured to have been nominated for this award and was completely gobsmacked to have won. A huge thank you to Jess for firstly nominating me but also surprising me!

“A child’s time in hospital can be very stressful and frightening, for both the child and parents. I am so passionate to be able to support families with any anxieties they may have.

“I couldn’t achieve what I do without the support from my colleagues in the paediatric theatre team and on Alice Ward – so thank you all for recognising the importance of play and distraction techniques.”

Mark said: “I spent some time with Lynwen during the latest Back to the Floor Day and it was clear she has the ability to distract and keep conversation flowing whilst also looking after the parents – it was truly something to behold.

“I am honoured to announce Lynwen as the latest Health Hero.”