Hospital recognise dedicated workers who go the extra mile
By Mary Dennehy
TALLAGHT University Hospital celebrated its 20th anniversary by recognising its dedicated workforce through the inaugural Hero Awards.
The employee recognition scheme was announced earlier this year to celebrate those who go that extra mile, making a real difference to patients and families.
Marian Connolly, Danielle Anderson, Orla O'Shea and Mary Murphy from the paediatric directorate celebrating the 20th anniversary
On Thursday, June 21, which was the hospital’s 20th anniversary, nine awards were presented to individuals and teams across a wide variety of roles and departments - including a haematology nurse, porter, consultant surgeon, catering assistant and the Dialysis Team.
While celebrating individuals and teams, the awards, which invite staff to nominate their peers, also contribute to the care of patients and support the hospital’s ethos of People Caring for People.
Speaking about the 20th anniversary celebration and the Hero Awards, Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) CEO David Slevin said: “We are really proud to celebrate 20 years of exceptional care here today in Tallaght University Hospital.
“Over the past two decades we have grown and transformed to become one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals with deeply rooted connections throughout the community we serve.
The winners pictured with David Slevin, CEO of Tallaght University Hospital (far left)
“Today we also celebrated the first awards ceremony in recognition of the staff who provide essential and compassionate patient care and it was a fitting end to the 20th anniversary celebration.”
The 20th anniversary of Tallaght University Hospital was celebrated with a concert and staff lunch, with the Heroes Awards being the grand finale.
According to Sharon Larkin, HR Director at Tallaght University Hospital: “The first Tallaght University Hospital Heroes Awards has had a really positive impact and created a sense of achievement amongst the 3,000 staff that work here.
“Working in a hospital can be challenging and extremely busy, so it has been very rewarding to be able to formally acknowledge staff who continually go above and beyond to ensure patients and their families are cared for.”
Award categories and winners
Patient Experience – Liz O’Connell, Haematology Nurse Co-ordinator
People Caring for People – Suzanne Foxton, CNM2 Adult ED
Unsung Hero – Gerry Tyrell, Porter, and Marian Rock, Oncology Day Ward
Service Excellence – Imelda Francis, Household Catering
Mentoring Award – Professor Sean Tierney, Consultant Vascular Surgeon
Teamwork Award – Karen Massey, ERT Nurse
Special Merit Award – Dialysis Team
CEO Awards:
Exceptional Dedication Award – Fr John Kelly, head of Pastoral Care.
Special Merit – Joanne Coffey, Communications Manager.
