West Suffolk Hospital porters get recognition for a job well done

Three employees were commended for a job well done at West Suffolk Hospital’s Michael Williams’ porter of the year award ceremony.

The special presentation, which took place at the hospital’s Time Out restaurant last Wednesday, saw A&E porter Jack Sanderson and physio porter Matt Hart named joint winners, and theatres porter Linda Axton as runner-up.

Now in its 11th year, the prize is organised and funded by Lesley Williams in memory of her late husband, who spent a decade working as a porter at the Bury St Edmunds hospital.

Voted for by hospital staff, it recognises the excellent service provided by porters, whose duties range from transporting patients and collecting waste to delivering food trolleys and maintaining medical gas cylinders.

Mr Sanderson, previously a runner-up in 2013, said: “I’m delighted, it’s what all porters want. It recognises that you’re doing your job right.

He added: “But I’m rubbing shoulders with many people who work hard – I’m a small cog in a big wheel and I’m just glad to be part of it.”

Mr Hart, who also won in 2007, said: “It’s the second time I’ve actually had my name on it now so it was a nice surprise.”

He added: “As a porter you don’t really know if anybody notices what you do so it’s nice to get a bit of recognition.”

Ms Axton said: “I was shocked and surprised. It means a lot and is appreciated”

Jan Bloomfield, the hospital’s executive director of workforce and communications, said the award recognised the ‘enormous contribution’ porters make to the smooth running of the hospital.

She said: “It is a pleasure to be able to thank them publicly for their efforts and the compassion and dedication they show to their role.”