Dedicated cancer care volunteers from Hartlepool's hospital trust win national NHS award for their devotion to patients

A selfless team of cancer care volunteers has won a national honour to recognise their contribution to the NHS.
Cancer Information Centre Volunteers team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation named winners in the Team of the Year (Corporate Functions)category at the NHS Unsung Hero Awards.Cancer Information Centre Volunteers team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation named winners in the Team of the Year (Corporate Functions)category at the NHS Unsung Hero Awards.
Cancer Information Centre Volunteers team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation named winners in the Team of the Year (Corporate Functions)category at the NHS Unsung Hero Awards.

The Cancer Information Centre Volunteers team from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation was named as the winner in the Team of the Year (Corporate Functions) category at the Unsung Hero Awards.

The team received the accolade at a glitzy gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester.

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The awards honour non-clinical NHS staff and volunteers and winners were selected following an intensive judging process.

NHS leaders, experts and influential figures from the NHS were among those on a panel which assessed hundreds of nominations from across the country.

Unsung Hero Awards founder Don Tomlinson said: "Our fifth annual event was our biggest and best yet and we were able to honour some brilliant, inspiring members of NHS staff and volunteers for the amazing work they have done.

"Everyone who won an award - and all those shortlisted - show each and every day the qualities and excellence which make our Health Service the best in the world.

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"It has been an honour to be able to shine some light on the great contributions they have made."

The team was nominated by colleague Louise Harland, who said: "The Cancer Information Centre opened in early 2016 and a team of four volunteers were recruited. The number has continued to grow and now stands at 14 with recruitment continuing. 

"The volunteers have played a vital role in the development of the service and regularly switch outside commitments to meet the needs of the centre. They are an integral part of the service, ensuring the service functions on a daily basis. 

"The volunteers are an integral part of the centre and without them the facilitation of the weekly craft and chat group, or attendance in a walk and talk group, couldn’t be possible. These activities ensure that people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis have access to supportive and enjoyable activities outside of a hospital environment."