They’re more used to taking care of others, but now it’s local hospital porters’ turn to be the centre of attention after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s 116-strong team of porters, working across both Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, have reached the finals of the MyPorter Awards in the ‘Portering Team of the Year’ category.
Brendon Bielby has been shortlisted for ‘Porter of the Year’
Great news on its own, but one team member who’s shown outstanding dedication to his role throughout a sustained period of ill-health, Brendon Bielby, has also been shortlisted for ‘Porter of the Year’.
In recent times, Brendon, who works at Castle Hill, has experienced not one but two life-changing health problems which have forced him to take time off work. Yet throughout his periods of illness, Brendon has remained passionate about his role and he maintained his commitment to returning to work to make a difference as soon as he could.
“Being able to put a smile on someone’s face makes me happy and proud to be a porter,” he says.
The judging panel said Brendon’s nomination really stood out, and was ‘a true testament to his great character and dedication to portering’.
Brendon’s manager, Interim Portering, Postal & Switchboard Service Manager David Houghton, says:
“Despite all the personal health issues and concerns he has gone through, and considering the extreme pressures frontline NHS workers like our porters are currently facing, Brendon remains passionate, dedicated, and his love for his work is clear to see.
Members of the portering team at Hull Royal Infirmary
“His caring attitude and the willingness to do anything to help our patients is second-to-none, so I didn’t hesitate to nominate him for the award; he would make a really deserving winner.”
David May, Deputy Head of Facilities (Logistics) for the Trust says:
“The portering team is key to the smooth running of our hospitals and services; not only do they make sure patients get where they need to be, when they need to be there, but they make sure our wards, departments and restaurants are well stocked with the equipment and supplies they need on a daily basis. Crucially, for many of our patients who may be feeling anxious or vulnerable, they also offer a friendly smile, words of support and some welcome reassurance in their time of need.
“The portering team work so hard, round the clock, 365 days a year, and I’m so pleased to see that their work and their dedication to supporting our hospitals to deliver great care has been recognised at a such a high level.”
The My Porter awards ceremony will take place in London on Friday 21 February. Follow @myporter_ on twitter for the results.