PAST and present patients of Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital have nominated staff who they believe go above and beyond.

Four individuals and four teams have been named as finalists in the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital's (RJAH) Patient Choice Awards.

The finalists will now be put to an online public vote, with the winners receiving an award at the Celebration of Achievement Awards at the Lion Quays Hotel in November.

The final four in the individuals category – from more than 50 nominations – are healthcare assistants Jean Blakemore on Alice Ward and Emma Evans on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI); physiotherapist Jayne Brown, and consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the foot and ankle team, Simon Hill.

One of the nominations for Jean came from Kathleen Gray who thanked the healthcare assistant for being kind and helpful.

"Jean will always stop and talk to you and she is kind, helpful and friendly," said Kathleen.

"Thank you Jean for everything you have done for me and Tomos."

Physiotherapist Jayne received a nomination from Siwan Owen, who praised her for the qualities she possessed and thanked her for giving her her life back.

She said: "Working in the NHS myself as a Nurse, I know what qualities are needed to work with patients and Jayne has all she qualities.

"She has given me my life back and I will forever be in debt to her."

Rob Bromage nominated Emma for her attention to detail and caring nature.

He said: "Wow, what can I say about Emma? She had no experience in care until she came to MCSI earlier this year and her attention to detail, caring presence and pleasant nature will see her go far."

And consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Simon Hill was praised for his patience and sense of humour by Abi Kelly, who also works in the NHS.

"He always takes the time to explain everything thoroughly whilst having a great sense of humour and being extremely patient with any questions or worries," Abi said.

"I work in the NHS myself and the care Mr Hill provides is the exact care all staff should be giving to patients - he is brilliant."

As well of the individual nominations, 35 nominations came in for teams working at the RJAH.

These included the Baschurch Day Unit dedicated to day surgery, Clwyd Ward an orthopaedic surgery ward, the MCSI and oncology outpatient department, Montgomery Unit.

One of Baschurch Day Unit's 11 nominations came from Terri Dhawan, who commended the team for their 'nothing is too much trouble' attitude.

"Even though I work at RJAH, it's always different going on the other side and being a patient," she said.

"Nothing was too much trouble and the team went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable.

"I knew I wasn't getting 'special treatment' as a staff member, as I heard many compliments about the team in the Discharge Lounge."

The full nominations and the online vote can be found at www.rjah.nhs.uk/vote

Voting closes at 9am on Friday, October 11.