Melanie secures Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards nomination

The Northern Care Alliance has been shortlisted for three awards in the first ever Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards.

The awards are organised by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, the body that oversees the area’s £6bn devolved health and social care budget, with support from the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Thirty-three champions have been shortlisted from almost 400 nominations completed by patients, colleagues and the general public.

All nominations will be considered by a judging panel and the winners announced at a sponsored event on July 13.

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Group is made up two Trusts, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which together employ over 17,000 staff.

The Group operates five hospitals - The Royal Oldham, Salford Royal, Fairfield General in Bury, Rochdale Infirmary and North Manchester General, as well as community services.

Out of 400 nominations received the judges have picked out teams and individuals from the Northern Care Alliance shortlisted in three categories.

• Leader in Supporting Talent Development award - Melanie Wildman, post natal ward manager at The Royal Oldham Hospital
• Leaders Across Boundaries award - Care Home Facilitators, based at Salford Royal
• Collaboration award - SWAN Bereavement Squad, from across the Northern Care Alliance

Melanie said: “I have worked for the Trust for 26 years I am absolutely thrilled to have received a nomination.

"The women and their families on the ward mean everything to me and the care and experience that they receive during their stay is paramount.

"I am keen to move our service forward for all our women and to do this I have invested in the staff on the ward.

"I try to lead by example and strongly believe that if you have a happy motivated team behind you then you can do anything.”

The SWAN team provided support to the victims and their families following the Manchester Arena bombing, which killed 22 people and injured many more on May 22, 2017.

Nearly one year on they are still providing support to the families of victims. 

The SWAN bereavement nurses worked closely with their bereavement colleagues across Greater Manchester, including Coroners, police family liaison officers, mortuary staff, NWAS, multi-faith leaders and voluntary organisations such as the Red Cross.

Fiona Murphy MBE, Associate Director of Nursing at the Northern Care Alliance, said: “The SWAN team showed great compassion, professionalism and courage on the night of the Arena bombing, which was the most difficult and testing period in their careers.

"Everyone went above and beyond proving support to the victims and their families and continue to do so.

"It is a great honour to be shortlisted for this award.”

Jon Rouse, Chief Officer of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “I would like to congratulate every single individual and team that has been nominated for an award.

"Just to be nominated is a real achievement in itself and is recognition of the difference these people are making in their communities.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “I am really pleased with the way the people of Greater Manchester have embraced this opportunity to recognise the people who work around the clock to keep our communities well.

For more information and the full shortlist, visit: http://www.gmchampionawards.co.uk/news/shortlist-announced/