A Bradford hospital porter has won an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience’ prize at the prestigious national ‘MyPorter’ Awards.
Laura Ward joined Bradford Royal Infirmary’s portering team – part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – in December 2023 and is currently working in the Emergency Department (ED).
Laura said: “To be nominated was a shock in itself, but to come first out of all the nominations and the amazing people shortlisted, was a feeling unmatched.
“Bradford has consistently shown me reward for doing good things, along with providing me with amazing opportunities and I am delighted with my award.”
Her colleague, Porter Steve Armatage, was also a finalist in the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ category.
Held by GV Healthcare, in association with NHS England, the awards shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes, recognising the exemplary work of the portering services within our hospitals and the healthcare industry.
It’s a remarkable achievement for Laura as more than 470 nominations from across the country were made but only a select few made it to the awards ceremony which was held on 26 February in London, with more than 300 delegates from across the UK.
Head of Portering Services, Sharon Craggs, said: “I am absolutely delighted for both Laura and Stephen, it’s deserved recognition for their outstanding service to our patients.”
Laura’s nomination highlighted how “Laura has proved herself to be a real asset to portering services in the short time that she has been with us.”
It continued: “She always picks up extra shifts and is described by her line manager as ‘a ray of sunshine’ and is the life and soul of the duty room.
“Laura enjoys working in the hospital’s ED supporting patient flow and patient care and always displays a positive attitude which is described as contagious.”
An occasion where she helped a vulnerable patient last July documented how she had ’demonstrated her commitment to outstanding patient experience and how she goes the extra mile.’
Her quick thinking and actions were praised as she “demonstrated she is not only a great ambassador to portering services but to Bradford Teaching Hospitals and the wider NHS.”
Laura with the hospital’s portering team and her mum, Amanda
Steve, who was unable to attend the event, joined the Trust as a porter in August 2024.
His citation read: “In the short time Steve has been with us, he has already shown that he is an absolute asset to the Portering team as he brings both enthusiasm and knowledge which he is more than happy to share.
“He has a wealth of experience in customer-focused environments and has more recently worked with both adults and young people with learning and physical disabilities. Steve has been able to use his knowledge and understanding to support Patient Experience in his porter role.”
Steve was recognised in October 2024 by the Trust’s lead learning disability nurse, Caroline Carass, who commended him for his professionalism with a patient.
The nomination continued: “Steve was requested to transfer a patient to another dept. Steve noted that the person had a learning disability, she was alone and distressed. Steve, in Makaton, introduced himself, calmed her and explained where she was going. He then took her to the department, explained to colleagues that she had a learning disability and stayed with her, again using his Makaton skills along with verbal language.
“Steve is an asset to the portering team and to BTHFT; his care and ability to transfer previous skills enabled our patient to feel safe and manage the situation. Steve, we can’t thank you enough and hope your incredible person-centred learning disability care is infectious.”
This outstanding care has now opened further conversations with the hospital’s Learning Disability team as to how Steve’s knowledge can be shared with the wider Portering team.
Laura Wood with her award and Matt Wright, CEO of Global View Systems
Sharon added: “Steve, I believe that your actions are worthy of the ‘Newcomer of the year award’. What an absolute asset you are to our Portering team.”
Two other porters, who also received nominations were Shaun Busfield for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Patient Experience’ and Stuart Inman for ‘Newcomer of the Year’.
Attending the event with Laura Ward, her mum Amanda, Facilities Manager (Portering) Michael Summers, Portering Team Leader, Annette Trowbridge and Porter Stuart Inman.