More than 500 people were nominated in 13 categories including Community Champion, Volunteer Champion and the new Team of The Year.
Finalists attended the awards ceremony hosted by ex-“Blue Peter” presenter Mwaksy. It featured many inspirational stories highlighting the strength, determination and dedication of health and care staff and volunteers.
Sir Richard Leese, chair of NHS Greater Manchester, said: ‘It is an honour to be part of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards for their fifth year. It’s a great opportunity to hear of the amazing work that all the shortlisted finalists do across our health and care system every day.
“All the finalists are already highly motivated to care for our patients, our families and our communities. This recognition will not only show them our appreciation but will encourage others as well.’
Lifetime achievement
Dr Maeve Keaney (second left) won the Lifetime Achievement Award
Retired doctor Maeve Keaney, who established the REACHE project in 2003, had a standing ovation as she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. REACHE opened an education centre at Salford Royal Hospital to support refugee and asylum seeker doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals work in the NHS.
Mayor’s award
Andy Burnham presented his Mayor’s Special Recognition Award to Matthew Coles, a nurse associate at the Tower Family Healthcare, Bury. It celebrates a unique contribution to health and care.
Matthew joined Tower Family Healthcare as a receptionist aged 16 before training to become a healthcare support worker. He completed a trainee nurse associate course with Bolton University and is to start a Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship.
Mr Burnham said: “Matthew is a great example of how organisations should be investing in their talent to support their employees and contribute to the growth of Greater Manchester’s economy.”
People’s champion
This award recognises an individual or team for their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of others. It was chosen by the listeners of Hits Radio.
The winner was Adam Hardaker, a supported living manager at Turning Point. He was rewarded for his work and passion in supporting people with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Reflection
The contributions of Michael Atkinson and Lisa Jones, who both passed away in 2024, were remembered during the ceremony.
Their families accepted Awards for Outstanding Contribution which were presented in their memory.
Michael was a volunteer dining companion at Salford Royal Hospital. He started volunteering to give back to others after he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour.
Lisa had long-term health conditions which meant she was not well enough to work. Refusing to let this define her she also became a volunteer, using her patient experience to help many organisations.
She started as a tutor with the expert patient programme, helping re-design hospital discharge, recruiting student nurses and becoming vice chair of the patient public advisory group.
A long-time user of antibiotics due to multiple infections, Lisa helped to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance. She was also a trustee and founder member of the long Covid peer support group.
Background
The Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards are organised by NHS Greater Manchester and were first held in 2018. They are the only Greater Manchester-wide awards which recognise the exemplary contributions of our whole health and care workforce.
See the full list of 2024 winners and shortlisted nominees
