EXCEPTIONAL care and ingenuity by health professionals working across the county were put in the spotlight at an annual ceremony last week.

Hundreds of staff gathered at Jury's Inn in Wolvercote on Wednesday, December 7 for Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust's staff recognition awards.

Nine accolades were handed out to dedicated and conscientious employees, from mental health teams to occupational therapists.

Speaking after the event, chief executive Stuart Bell CBE said: "I am extremely proud of all our nominees and winners tonight.

"It was a brilliant evening and it’s great to have this opportunity say thank you and well done to some very special people.”

"We are very fortunate at Oxford Health to have so many people and teams who have shown such great care to our patients and I was very moved by the things I heard."

Charlotte Collins, deputy head of the trust's spiritual and pastoral care team, was the only staff member nominated by a member of the public.

She received the Improving Patient Experience Award for regularly visiting her patient and listening to them when they needed someone to talk to.

The patient who nominated her said: "She brightens up your day and lets you know she cares. She is never too busy for someone in need.

"I want her to know how deeply her work and her love for it means to those she meets and the trust."

Elsewhere the medical human resources team picked up the non-clinical Team Work Award for their helpfulness and enthusiasm.

One junior doctor said in their nomination: "The team go above and beyond for their doctors to ensure that they are working under safe conditions, and on shifts that allow us to work with a good work-life balance."

Linda Coles, an office manager in the trust's child and adult mental health services (CAMHS) team, was handed the Wellbeing Award on the night.

Over the past year she has supported more than 70 staff with initiatives to promote emotional and physical health, including a healthy food tuck shop and a break-out room so colleagues can have 'down time' away from their work areas.

Each award was judged by a separate panel of both Oxford Health staff and patients.