NHS staff in Northumberland shortlisted for national awards

The subsidiary of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received nominations in both the MyPorter and MyCleaning Awards – recognising the outstanding contribution of healthcare porters and domestic teams who play a vital role behind the scenes.

Steve Riley, a driver and porter, has been shortlisted for the Dennis Southern Lifetime Achievement Award – a fitting tribute to an incredible 50-year career.

Steve joined the trust just four days after leaving school and has worked across catering, domestic services, portering and transportation.

One of his proudest achievements came in 2010, when he was asked to take on the role of waste manager. Drawing on his broad operational knowledge, Steve led a number of environmentally positive initiatives, including helping to establish offensive waste as a separate category from clinical waste.

In 2015, Steve flexi-retired and returned to portering and driving – a role that sees him travel more than 50,000 miles each year transporting samples, specimens, blood, post, supplies and even colleagues between sites.

Chris Campbell, soft services manager at Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management (NHFM), said: “Steve’s career story within NHFM and the trust is nothing short of remarkable. He takes immense pride in everything he does and always goes above and beyond.

"Being shortlisted for the Dennis Southern Lifetime Achievement Award is particularly special to Steve, as Dennis was not only a colleague but a friend. This recognition couldn’t go to someone more deserving.”

The domestic services team at Wansbeck General Hospital have also been shortlisted – for Team of the Year.

Their nomination was supported by their response to a flood in the child health department. When the incident occurred late in the evening, the team immediately adopted an “all hands-on deck” approach, staying beyond their shifts to clean and restore the area, minimising disruption for patients and clinical teams the following day.

Lillian Key, domestic superintendent, said: “I am delighted the team has been recognised by being shortlisted for this prestigious award. They provide an outstanding service every day, ensuring the hospital remains clean, safe and tidy – but what truly sets them apart is how they come together when faced with complex situations.”