THE last Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital Health Hero Award winner of the year has been announced.

Operating department practitioner (ODP) Sharon Long is part of theatres team at the Gobowen hospital and received seven nominations from her colleagues.

The monthly award is presented to unsung heroes from across the hospital, who are nominated by their peers for going the extra mile to help.

Sharon was nominated by staff nurses Linda Hart, Nicola Mazi, Louise Beaumont, Claire Illott; theatre support worker Phil Marshall; registered general nurse Paul Baker and recovery nurse Vicci Griffin.

Linda said: “One busy Saturday, I was coordinating recovery with the list changing rapidly; I really appreciated the support I received from Sharon as who was co-ordinating theatre and was dealing with other issues in her own area.”

Claire said: “Sharon is always very supportive and helpful. She has recently had a run of difficult shifts and has always coordinated and communicated perfectly. She is an excellent advocate for patients and staff.”

Vicci said: “She always asks if you okay and says thank you at the end of a shift. She’s always supportive, approachable and helpful.”

The award was presented to Sharon by chief executive Mark Brandreth.

Sharon said: “I’m really privileged and lucky to work with such lovely people and a really good team.

“I’d like to thank everyone for the really kind nominations – I definitely couldn’t do my job without the support of the wider theatres and recovery teams!”

Mark said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of Sharon’s colleagues take time out their busy working day to nominate her for the Health Hero Award and I couldn’t ignore that.

“Sharon is clearly a dedicated member of our team, who provides excellent care whilst being friendly and professional at all times – we are very fortunate to have her as part of our team and she is a worthy winner.”