STAFF and volunteers were celebrated in style as The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) marked its third annual Celebration of Achievement Awards.

A total of 17 awards were presented to individuals and teams from the Gobowen-based hospital during the ceremony at the Lion Quays Hotel last night, which was compered by Robin Banerjee, a consultant orthopaedic Surgeon at RJAH.

Winners on the night included Pete Gallacher, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who was presented with the Patient Choice Award.

More than 1,200 votes were cast for the four finalists – who also included physiotherapist Ffion Evans, theatre support worker Clare Jones and healthcare assistant Belinda Potts.

Mr Gallacher prevailed by just 15 to take the coveted prize.

Mark Brandreth, Chief Executive of RJAH, said: “It was wonderful to see more than 250 colleagues come together to celebrate our achievements of the past year.

“I’m only sorry we cannot fit everyone into the event, and we also must thank those members of staff who were still working hard to keep the hospital running while we enjoyed our night.

“We heard some inspiring stories of individuals and teams – both clinical and non-clinical – really going the extra mile to deliver world class care.”

Other award recipients included superintendent radiographer Valerie Jones, who was presented with the NHS70 Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Mary Powell Nurse of the Year Award – named in honour of a legendary former matron at the hospital – was presented to Lena Price, a staff nurse on HDU.

The inaugural Sir Robert Jones Doctor of the Year Award went to Dr Prasanth Kandepalli.

Lady Trevor was recognised for 40 years of support for the hospital by winning the Volunteer of the Year Award, while charity Horatio’s Garden was presented with the Partnership Award.

Some of the loudest cheers of the night were reserved for the porters, who won the Cornerstone Award, and the catering team, who won the Outstanding Team Achievement of the Year Award.

Frank Collins, trust chairman, said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to spend the evening celebrating the achievements of the hard-working teams and individuals who work at RJAH.

“I often hear our chief executive describe RJAH as the best hospital in the NHS. On nights like this it is impossible to disagree.