A GLITTERING awards evening has celebrated the best of Ipswich Hospital.Doctors, nurses, secretaries, support staff, volunteers and other dedicated workers turned out in their hundreds to enjoy their successes.

A GLITTERING awards evening has celebrated the best of Ipswich Hospital.

Doctors, nurses, secretaries, support staff, volunteers and other dedicated workers turned out in their hundreds to enjoy their successes.

Colleagues cheered and whooped as their friends were crowned victors in a range of categories, after enjoying a scrumptious meal prepared by hospital chefs.

During the evening tales of true dedication from hospital staff emerged, from Pat Osbourne, a volunteer with the play team who brings her golden Labrador, Max, to visit children at the hospital, and stays in the evening as Granny Pat, talking to children whose parents can not visit, to Rachel Brett, a rheumatology nurse practitioner, who designed a website for patients in her own time.

Mike Brookes, the hospital's chairman who opened and closed the ceremony, said: “It's been great to be able to share the wonderful achievements we've all made, that make this hospital the great hospital it is.

“We are a fantastic team. The board and myself are proud to be part of this organisation. So thank you very much to all of you for what you've done.”

In one of the most prestigious categories the standard was so high that the prize was split between two winners.

Both Neil Baker, chief podiatrist with the diabetes team, and orthopaedic surgeon Tim Brammar and his team, scooped The Evening Star Patients' Award, chosen by patients themselves.

Mr Brammar was nominated by 78-year-old Peter Nash, who said the expert had helped to put him at ease before his hip replacement operation.

Mr Nash, of The Street, Eyke, said: “I can not speak too highly of Mr Brammar.

“The attention I received from him was excellent. He was so approachable, with a good sense of humour and was so caring.

“Once he had operated, he was round to see me twice a day, always smiling, I can't think anything would ruffle him.

“He really deserves recognition; he is obviously dedicated to his work.

“I shall never forget Mr Brammar and will always be grateful for the difference he has made to my life.”

Would you like to praise staff at Ipswich Hospital? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.

The winners

Team of the year - Ward deep clean team

Leadership - Guy Nichols

Support team or star - OCS Framlingham Ward Support

Technology and innovation - Rachel Brett

Volunteer - Pat Osborne

Unsung hero - Norman Irvine

Champion for learning and professional development - Carrol Russell

Evening Star Patients' Award - Neil Baker and Tim Brammar and team

Chairman's Award - Kevin Purser