Meet the inspirational health hero crowned your People’s Choice Award winner

Members of the public were once again invited to nominate staff and volunteers at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals for a prestigious award at the Trust’s annual Thank You Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday 16 May at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool and saw Louise Foley, Specialist Nurse (Colorectal Team) crowned as the People’s Choice Award winner. 

Returning for the second year, the People’s Choice Award 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 during the past 12 months. 

Louise was recognised for her inspirational commitment to supporting patients throughout their cancer journey. As a specialist cancer nurse, Louise plays a big part in supporting patients and their families to understand their diagnosis, treating everyone as an individual as they navigate new and uncertain times.

Speaking about her role, Louise highlighted how important communication is to ensure patients know that she is there for any queries and support they need. As a colorectal cancer nurse specialist, Louise also helps to ensure the hospital process is as smooth as possible for patients; chasing scan dates, arranging appointments and making sure patients are kept informed throughout. 

The nomination said: “Louise was an absolute rock during my cancer diagnosis and treatment - she made everything happen quickly and efficiently as well as providing much needed emotional support and positivity to me and my family at every stage. 

“She is an excellent communicator - knowing exactly how to break news, good and bad; and always has a plan B up her sleeve whenever a curve ball presents. Louise always goes the extra mile too - she helped to sort out all sorts of practical things such as admin for holiday insurance claims, pension applications etc. at a time when my mind was in pieces. 

“Louise took time to know my family members and even though I am now with the surveillance team (also brilliant!) she still looks out for me, remembers where I am up to, what I am doing and asks after my boys. An absolute star.”

Nikhil Khashu, Chief Executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Louise as the winner of the People’s Choice Award. The nomination highlights Louise’s compassion, kindness and dedication to providing individualised care to each of her patients, and how this shines through the work she does every day. 

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination this year. From simple acts of kindness to dedication to duty, this year we received over 80 nominations praising colleagues who have gone the extra mile, which is a testament to the true impact that our staff have on our patients and their families.”

Speaking about her win, Louise said: “I was so privileged to be nominated for the People’s Choice Award. It means a lot to me as the patient is my priority as a Colorectal Cancer Nurse. I meet people at their most worrying time and to be able to support patients and their families with their cancer diagnosis is an honour.

“I was thrilled to win the award as I feel it’s not just me, but the whole colorectal team that have won. The team of colorectal cancer specialist nurses, consultants, secretaries, pathologists, radiologists, admin and staff on the wards are all people who help me to help the patient. 

“The response from everyone has been fantastic – I feel like a celebrity! To the person who nominated me - thank you.” 

Highly commended in the category were Jonathan Cliffe, Midwifery Team Leader (Team River) and Sue Jones, Specialist Nurse (Children’s Epilepsy Team). 

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