Meet the NHS star named as your People’s Choice Award winner

Warrington Guardian / Runcorn and Widnes World readers were once again invited to nominate staff and volunteers working at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust for a prestigious award at the trust’s annual staff awards.

The Thank You Awards celebrates the NHS individuals and teams who go above and beyond to provide exceptional care at Warrington Hospital, Halton Hospital and in the community.

The awards ceremony, held at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, saw Cristobelle Federico, care support worker, crowned as the People’s Choice Award winner. 

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Urolase, invited members of the public to submit a nomination for a person, team, ward or department that has made a positive difference to their experience at Warrington and Halton Hospitals or at a community location during the past 12 months. 

Cristobelle was recognised for her creativity and dedication to transforming the experience of patients living with dementia. Through patience, music, personal care and warmth, Cristobelle builds connections with patients helping them to feels safe, valued and dignified. She provides thoughtful support with nutrition and care to make sure patients feel comfortable and confident during their hospital stay. 

The nomination said: “Cristobelle has a remarkable gift for connecting with individuals with dementia, meeting them with patience, understanding and heartfelt kindness. Her compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to patient wellbeing make her an extraordinary caregiver and a true asset to the ward.” 

Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Cristobelle as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. Her nomination is a moving example of the difference that person-centred practice can make to patients and their families. Cristobelle’s dedication to providing the very best experience and care shines through in everything she does.

“The support and encouragement from our local communities means so much to us and our teams, so I was delighted to read so many incredible nominations recognising colleagues who have gone the extra mile, from simple acts of kindness to outstanding dedication to patient care. Each one shows the lasting impact our staff and volunteers have on patients, families and the wider community. Thank you to all the readers of the Warrington Guardian / Runcorn and Widnes World who took the time to submit a nomination.”

Speaking of her award, Cristobelle said: “Winning the People’s Choice Award is an incredibly meaningful achievement to me as it was voted directly by patients and their families. I am truly honoured to receive such recognition.

“I was incredibly shocked and humbled when I found out someone had nominated me. This award not only reflects on me but the whole team as well, we all genuinely love and enjoy our jobs on the ward. Sometimes it can be challenging, and you do not always get to see the long-term impact of your work, so this award is an outstanding reminder that our personal daily efforts mean a lot to the people we care for. It’s an absolute honour to serve the trust and the ward.”

Highly commended in the category were Dr Kate Hunter, children’s epilepsy consultant, and Lucy Atlay, health visitor.  

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, and we look forward to celebrating yet more of our healthcare stars next year.